August.

I might as well title this post “August & September” because a LOT has happened. And I’ve been so bad at blogging. I’m hoping to get back on track in the second half of this month, especially because I’ve been thinking about revisiting the blog series I started last November: “30 days of blessed thanks.” So it’s time it get back on track and get in a routine to blog about the wonderful blessings 2013 has brought next month.

So to start talking about those blessings, let’s back up to August. The first week of August M and I went on an absolutely amazing summer vacation. MOSTLY because we got ENGAGED!!!! But also because we went to the most relaxing/beautiful/peaceful/delicious/wonderful resort in Northern Michigan that I want to live in. Every day. For the rest of life. But let’s back up to the engagement. M caught me totally by surprise, and I still can’t believe it. The first night of our trip was a detour through Detroit to catch a Tigers game and eat some delicious Greek food. The second night, however, was for relaxation. We finished the last leg of the trip up north and checked into Marriott’s “Inn at Bay Harbor.” Which is just beautiful. Like picture-book beautiful. With little balconies and the bluest lake water and black & white striped umbrellas circling a pool, a hot tub and a pool bar. We relaxed in our room upon arrival and then went downstairs to the restaurant hotel for a seafood dinner and cocktails. After dinner, M suggested a walk down by the lake to check out a bonfire. I promptly resisted claiming I was too cold and not dressed for evening in Northern Michigan. But he persisted, and we went. A short walk along the lake and two Adirondack chairs later, we were seated by the lake, and all the sudden there was a ring. I honestly didn’t remember at first what M said, and I had to ask him to repeat his proposal the next morning. But it was perfect, both the moment and the ring, and we could not be happier. Just the best way to kick off our vacation.

After frantic phone calls to family and friends to share the good news, we headed inside for champagne, all smiles, and me still shaking with disbelief. The rest of the trip was just as perfect, with lots of yummy meals, beautiful sightseeing at Sleeping Bear Dunes and relaxation by the pool. I think my favorite moment (aside from the engagement, of course) was snuggling up in sweatpants right on the lakeshore, reading a book and watching the sunset. Northern Michigan is definitely a thin place.

So I guess by comparison, the rest of August and September weren’t quite as exciting. We started wedding planning, which is a whole other blog post in its own. Let’s just say I’ve discovered several insanities about the wedding industry, both in it’s expense and sheer number of options, all of which other brides-to-be seem to book more than a year in advance. Crazy town.

In early September, my cousin got married, and I was one of her maid’s of honor. It was a beautiful and perfect weekend, full of happy tears and family and beautiful weddings things. All flowers and lace and music and toasts…really a perfect weekend.

September also brought several work trips…twice to Washington and once to Philly. Which was tiring, but gave me the opportunity to see friends and catch up on my audiobook library.

August and September really rolled by. The summer just disappeared. It’s already halfway through October, and we’re starting to think about pumpkins and Thanksgiving and holiday and family. Which is really the best time of year, but every year it goes by too fast. And with the speed this year is passing by, I can’t imagine this holiday season will be any different. So we’re trying to take in as many quiet weekends as possible. Spending lots of Friday nights on the couch, getting breakfast in our pajamas and snuggling Lucy on the floor (or sometimes on the couch…I’m weak). I want the simplest things, the best things, the tiny moments to be the most memorable thing about this season. Casual evenings with friends, lazy mornings catching up on DVR and lots of family time.

Wishing you the same in this crazy pre-holiday season of fall and hoping we’ll have the opportunity to share those quiet moments together.

To being engaged!!!!

Lia