My first night alone as a wife

Here I am, alone as a wife. Not because Mikey left me, but his job called and he is on night shift at the tower. (Don't ask what he does because I don't even really understand yet! I'm just glad he is still around some of the time.) So let me tell you my adventures of today - I realize now that I'm a wife I am suffering from short-term memory loss! Here's why - I went to make some noodles for lunch (nothing left in the house) and I left the water boiling and forgot about it until the water was all gone. Mikey was the only reason our house or our pot didn't start on fire. Whew, he's got this husband thing down! Then, as I get done with work I start unpacking, to which I find a disaster from a lotion explosion in the front of one of the suitcases...okay, I should clean that. But instead I decide I'm exhausted and I want to watch a little television. Oops, I fall asleep!

When I awake it shows 8:00 on the clock. I panic and think I should jump in the shower for work...and for some reason I was thinking we had a guest that left and got lost so I grab my phone and start looking through my contacts. I seriously think I lost my mind. I couldn't figure out what was going on, if it was the morning or evening or what I was doing anymore. Finally I got myself together and figured out it was 8 PM and I should just keep working on unpacking, laundry, cleaning and grocery shopping. Out to my adventure of grocery shopping, which for the most part was uneventful. It took my nearly an hour though to get the necessities because I was randomly going all over the store. I just can't get my bearings tonight.

Next stop is home. I get the groceries put away, change a load of laundry and check email again. Doing well - except it hit me that at some point I should go and check on my noodles...yep, I did it again. Only this time I had put the noodles in the water and now they were frying to the bottom of the pan. Wow, I'm batting zero!!! No biggie, I'll just eat noodles that are overcooked enough a 6 month old could eat them. Gross, but I did what I needed. I figured if I went to cook something else I would FOR SURE start this place on fire. But now, as I sit in our backyard I think I've figured out it isn't me just being a bad wife, I'm blaming the full moon!

With that, I think I should go to bed - let's just hope I remember to shut off all things that could burn up and remember to set the alarm! I'd say that now that I just typed it I will for sure remember, but as this day is going it is proving different!

I'm off to bed - with my recent humidity shower from being outside I can only imagine how cute I'll look to Mikey when he gets home!

goodnight, dream sweet everyone.

Annie

...now what do I do as a Wife?

Well, we made it through the adventure of our wedding weekend and our week of "relaxation." It was all amazing to me, as I walked down the isle and stood in front of everyone at our reception I was overwhelmed by the love in the room. Everyone worries about your stress level, but no one can ever prepare you for the emotions of watching your husband gaze into your eyes with all his love and then to look out to a room of others with tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces...it is all so much to take in and truly touched my heart. We cherished every moment and several times Mikey and I asked each other if we could just put it all into slow motion or pause to absorb it all. I still think the entire weekend hasn't fully hit us yet. I know we didn't get to spend enough time or talk to everyone we wanted to, so let me thank you through this blog and tell you all how special you are.

And now we are back in Savannah, starting to figure out what the role of a wife and a husband is. We are just waiting for something to be SO different - which I'm sure we'll notice in the upcoming days. I suppose being in our own home and really realizing this is the start of "our family" will hit us and we'll transition into our new "roles" quickly. One thing Mikey's already noticed is that it is tougher for him to see me tired or upset because he just wants to make his wife happy - what a sweetie! Little does he know he's always wanted that and he's always done a great job at it.

Now that the planning is all done I'll try to update this more often...thanks again for all of your support. I look forward to the next time we meet up again!

All the love,

Annie

Two months and counting!

Well, today marks two months until Mikey and I say "I do." I sometimes wonder if he knows what he is getting himself into, but then I remember ignorance is bliss!

We are working every day on checking off things on our "to-do" list. I feel confident in everything thus far. And I'm still shocked that I'm not more stressed about all of this. Maybe that will hit me in the last 30 days! Only time will tell.

This week we will be sending out the invites and our website for our wedding should be live. The URL is www.severson-mclean.com. I'm pumped to see it live. Alissa has done an outstanding job on both the invites and the website. I know you will all enjoy it - it is the new wave of weddings. You will be instructed to RSVP online, you can see several pictures of us throughout our dating (to the point you might get sick of us before our wedding date and recall your RSVP) and you even get to have some fun reading about us as a couple, individually and both perspectives of how the engagement went! Lots of fun I'm telling you...be prepared!!!

If anyone has any last minute advice on songs or requests for songs at the dance just let me know. Leave a comment and I'll take it into consideration! Can't wait to see everyone...just a week and I'll be back. Unfortunately that also means that Mikey and I will not be seeing each other for 4 days before our wedding!

RaeAnn

Going green...but not for the enviornment!

Well, today is the start of the St. Patrick's adventure in Savannah! This place is crazy about this holiday - it is the South's version of We-Fest. I've been hearing bag pipes practicing all week in various parking lots, outside hotels and just on the sidewalk! There are maps online that show you where the porta potties are - what the rules are on making your "campsite" in the squares for the parade this morning - where the shuttles run so you can park 15 miles away from downtown (they close off the streets to vehicles...pedestrian downtown only this weekend) - and the rules of watching how much you drink...I'm told if you have more than two drinks in your hands while walking around you can get arrested for public intoxication (...do I hear a challenge coming from me on that one???)

So, with the businesses closing Mikey and I decided that we might as well put on some green and go and collect beads downtown. It is only appropriate as I was once told that I have a bit of Irish in me (who knows if that is true...my dad could tell me anything and I'd believe it) and since Mikey is very much Scottish. (Yes, he even has a kilt) So, to hold true to the name I will soon have, I will go downtown in green and "rival" with the Irish!

I will be sure to check back in on this site and let you know about all the wild and crazy stories...and I'll give you a count on how beads Mikey and I collect...I'm sure I'll win (unless he wears his kilt)!

...until next time

Annie

Introducing...Cosmo in a box!

Yes, you heard me correct...I am now introducing to all of my friends my latest "great buy." While browsing the shelves of our local liquor store I found what I never thought would be so much fun, but it has proven itself to be a blast!

It is Cosmopolitan in a box! Just open the spout and pour!!! Who knew that it would be so easy to have such a "fancy" drink. Wow, but to keep with the theme of Cosmo in a box I have made one rule. If you choose to partake in this wonderful development, you are ONLY allowed to drink it out of a regular 8 oz. glass. You heard me...no martini glasses - resist if you own them and go for the total "trashin'" style of an 8 oz 'milk' glass!

Enjoy everyone - and soon I will be home so we can have a Cosmo in a box fun night!

Annie

Surprise!!!

Surprise on so many levels...first - I am posting on this blog! wow, I know. Second...I am still alive and actually having a lot of fun planning the wedding. Third - and the real reason for this post - is to update you on how I have the perfect fiance. Tonight at 6:30 he is taking me away to a special night - he says it isn't "romantic," but I beg to differ. Anything that he does that is for my happiness is romantic, and we get to do this together!

Althought I don't know what our date is yet, I'm super excited! I'll be sure to write and fill you in on the surprise for tonight. I hope you are all staying warm and enjoying the love that surrounds you. Miss you all and HUGS all around!

Until next time...

Annie

Checking off the list...the wedding to do list!

Now that Mikey is finally home we are in full force of getting wedding things done. Every night we have a new task from our wedding "to do" list. Some nights you can tell neither of us want to put the energy into it, not because we don't want to get married more because we are just so exhausted! I guess I'll never understand how they expect brides to workout for 1 to 2 hours a day and then have enough energy after work to actually get wedding things done...wow!



We figured out last night we are about a third of the way through the checklist...let's hope that tonight we get one more major thing done! Time to write website copy!!!



Tata for now,



Annie

A month with a ring...and a month without a fiance

It's been just over a month since Mikey and I got engaged...and it's been over a month since I've seen my fiance. Hmmm...is there more to this? I'm starting to wonder if Mikey did it just before going into the field so he could avoid the wedding planning! Just kidding.

It's great to have a ring on my left finger. I still sometimes find myself wanting to play with the ring and put it on other fingers like I did with all my costume rings. It is beautiful and I love all that it means. And even better I'm being treated differently when I go out, which is fun. I am now getting drinks bought for me from the other married men that are there with their single friends...and I'm getting the typical lines such as "you know...a ring doesn't plug holes..." I'm not going to finish that one! It's all in the experience and I can't wait to have more stories. I promise the next time I write about these stories I'll make them more vibrant!

Tata for now -

Annie

Never dull...

I'm walking into Kroeger's Grocery Store to get myself a Starbucks Latte when suddenly I hear a crash and I'm watching, what I feel like is in slow motion, a blue Ford F-150 crash into the front of the store and a big outside lamp light falling onto the ground. The truck surprisingly backs up in a panic and before I know it I'm watching tires racing out of the parking lot. There were at least a dozen eye witnesses right there...and then there goes the "hero" white pickup chasing after them trying to get the plates. Which that pickup has success in doing just that. He gathers the nearby cop that was in the parking lot and so the investigation begins. I really had nothing to add to the police report so I just went in and got my Starbucks.

As I sat in line I listened to all the chatter about what just happened! Thankfully no one was injured. Then, as I find myself driving away and saying good bye to my new found friends (the other bystanders), I realize police lights all around. My first thought...wow, I'm glad I don't own a pickup right now. So, I continue home and as I'm driving I discover that I am trying to be a little detective...every pickup that goes by I take a good stare at. I thought for sure I'd find the pickup. Not sure why, but it kept me entertained until I got home!

Till next time!

Annie

One month of winter...

I just returned from my "one month of winter" into the beautiful spring weather of Savannah. Might I suggest that it is the best way to handle winter, enjoy it for a month and then GET OUT!

I did have a great time back in North Dakota. Many memories were made, including the very special anniversary Mikey and I shared. What a special night, we finally got engaged! What a blessing to know that I get to share the rest of my life with the man that loves and cares for me every moment of every day. We truly are the most fortunate people. And remember all my single girlfriends, waiting proves to be a good idea! Hold out until you find your prince charming like I did. It is SO worth it. We are going to start the beginning of our married life on June 7, 2008. I hope we can get as many people as we know to join us!

I'll be sure to post more about wedding planning later...check back!

Annie

Happy Holidays!

I wish I could call each and every one of you, but since there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day (or on my cell phone calling plan!) I thought maybe this could work as my well wishes to everyone for a great Christmas season and a wonderful start to the New Year!

Enjoy the ones that surround you, think often of the ones that can't be with you and remember that love embraces you in many ways and not only during this holiday season.

May God bless all of you. I hope to see as many of you as I can when I'm back in Fargo at the beginning of 2008!

Until then...

Annie

Fried Green Tomatoes...

The day finally came, I really embraced living in the South! Mikey and I were downtown in Savannah wandering the streets, enjoying the 70 degree weather before going back home into below zero temperatures. And we decided we wanted to try something different. So, we went into a local restaurant, some seafood place that claimed to have the best bloody mary's on River Street. We couldn't resist. So, as we sat at the bar (with me holding my nose as long as possible to try and avoid having to run to the bathroom and puke from the smell of seafood) the nice bartender bragged about the bloody mary's and so she made me one. We joked because it is probably the closet we could find here to the Green Mill bloody mary. The only thing missing was the pepperoni!

As we were glancing through the menu, something struck me as I read "Fried Green Tomatoes." I quickly turned to Mikey and asked if he was ready to try some good ole' "Southern cooking." Much to my surprise, he had already been privileged enough to try them, but was ready to be a team player and try them again with me. (Also promising to eat the rest if I hated them!) Moments later a plate of 5 Fried Green Tomatoes appeared before us. I grabbed the smallest one, still hesitant as I normally don't eat even Red Tomatoes...what was I even thinking that I would like Green Tomatoes - just because they are fried? I cut the first piece and dipped it in the sauce provided - actually drenching it in the sauce! Again...trying to avoid actually tasting them! After a few bites, with less and less drenching, I figured out that I really did like them.

So, it is official - I tried and actually LIKED Fried Green Tomatoes! (Actually - "like" might be a strong word and could have been influenced by the experience more than the taste! By the second one I was done - Mikey had to finish the rest!)

I'll try and cook them sometime for everyone back home, but only if you really want to try the "Southern Cookin'"

Till next time -

Annie

I can tell it has been almost 6 months...

The anniversary of me being a Georgia resident is nearing the 6 month mark and so I thought it was only appropriate to update you on how I can now tell I've adjusted.

1. The smell of the swamp is actually comforting! (it used to make me gag)
2. The bluetooth is not just functional as a communication device...I've learned it is an accessory! And I've accepted it.
3. Y'all doesn't make my skin crawl anymore (don't worry I'm still not using it)
4. Instead of cow tipping I've realized it's fun to go "garbage tipping" as a teen.
5. I can finally stay up for the local news...at 11 PM.
6. I caught myself asking for a 'soda' the other day...instead of a 'pop'.
7. I find myself saying that 60 degrees is cold...and i'm ready to take out the winter coat!
8. I get excited to see license plates that aren't from Georgia!!!

But, here are things that I still haven't adjusted to:
1. Delayed...really long delayed responses to green lights.
2. Speaking with a Southern Accent...which has proved to hinder my advancement in the non-profit world!
3. I still think my programs are on Central time...I am always early for my programs at least!

Well, that is about all I can think of for right now - I'll be sure to add to the list as time continues.

Thanks for all the support even though I'm all the way in the South.

Until next time...Annie

It's been a while...

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to say that I didn't forget about updating this blog, I just haven't been able to really figure out what funny stories I have! I will be sure to update you on some highlights of my trip back to ND as well as our trip to Charleston this past weekend. I promise to get back to this, just bear with me...that is if anyone reads this any more! wink. wink.

Be back soon...

Annie

Welcome...

Welcome to the my home office! I thought this would be a good visual for those that I have conference calls with, or those just were wondering where I spend 8 to 12 hours a day!

I have pictures surrounding me on my bookcase behind me, and most days I have those blinds open so I can watch the wildlife or my "wild neighbors." About a month ago we finally got the walls painted my pretty teal blue and the wood blinds you see. And...might I add that after a full day of hanging those blinds (with 5 trips to Home Depot/Lowe's) means neither of us want to hang blinds again any time soon!


I enjoy working from home, it seems to be much more efficient. I did have to "train" myself that downstairs is off limits until 6 PM (except for lunch time). And, I've noticed that when I do go out in public after work I am very talkative to strangers...more than usual. But, enough about that...let's get to the fun stuff...the adjustments I've made while living here. '

Now that it has been almost a full four months I can tell that I'm starting to adjust to Georgia. (Don't worry...it will never be "home") First, I think anything below 90 degrees is "chilly" and anything below 85 degrees is "cold." (I'm gonig to be wearing a winter parka in ND in October) Second, I now am researching what I need for a hurricane survival kit and preparing to put one in my car...a slight switch from a "winter survival kit." I am starting to notice the Midwestern accent in home videos and when talking to anyone from back home...uh-oh...does that mean I'll be saying "y'all" when I get home!?!?! Sunday football has turned into watching the ticker rather than the game and tuning in to see the highlights at half time...just trying to keep up with the Vikings games!


Well, now that I've bored you all, I figure I'll sign off for tonight. I hope to see as many of you as possible when I'm back in ND in October! Thanks for reading!!!

Tata for now,

Annie