Saturday, July 30, 2011

Well deserved "vacation"

I'm in O'Hare International Airport in Chicago blogging in the food court.  Thank you American Express for my free 45 minutes of internet! :)

The beach where I will be fixing my farmer's tan :)


I am off to go see my faaaamily in Honolulu, Hawaii! This is my annual trip to see my family.  Since they live on the other side of the planet, the tropical islands of Hawaii serves as half way :)  I'm especially excited this time around because my niece, Luna will be coming! I haven't seen her since she was born a year and a half ago!! I plan to spoil her rotten! :)

Additionally, I need to fix my MAJOR farmer's tan that I got on Memorial Day waiting in line to hear the President speak... it's really bad guys. It's like a 3/4 length sleeve tan... Anyway, I have an excuse to sit on the beach and fix it before I get back.

Once I get back, it will be the last part of the countdown to our wedding.  Only one month left :)

xox,
Reina

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

SURVIVOR NOT VICTIM: I have come a long way. 10 years.

I told you about my journey last year...



10 years ago today, I became what I now think of as being a survivor.

10 years ago today, I was out of my element, out of my body.

10 years ago today, I shook violently, more angry than scared.

10 year ago today, I felt like a victim of chance.

I have come a long way since that day. I have thought of this 10 year bench mark for so many years now. I have thought of ways I could commemorate the feeling that I have now, which is dominance over my fear and my experience.

Let me tell you what I promised myself 10 years ago.

I promised myself that I would be married in 10 years.  I promised myself that I would be married on Saturday, September 10, 2011.  It's just an outrageous fantasy that one dreams of when they are 16, right? (hint: I'm getting married on 9/10/11)

It was the same year, 10 years ago, the horrible awful day, when our country was trespassed against and our Twin Towers fell. It felt like too personal of a loss.

I promised myself that I would be "better" by today. I am more than "better," folks.

There is so much healing and love that has gone into this process. I promise that if you are going through it, I am not gloating.  You can get here. There have been deep conversations not only with myself, but with God and with friends.  It has taken a commitment to myself and letting myself feel when I need to.  There is always help around you.  Don't feel alone. Don't feel afraid to ask for help. You will get through this. I'm not done with this journey, I'm not done with my healing.  But it does get better. Most of all, don't forget to love yourself, even when your body betrays you.

with love and compassion,
yours most truly,
Reina

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Summer is Here!!

My summer is FINALLY here!! As you may already know, I'm deep into my program as a Masters student in Social Work.  I have been taking summer classes (which makes it seem that I hide under a rock most of the time!)  I am back from the cave and can finally say that I am DONE with my summer classes and am now FREE to go to the beach, read, go to the pool, hang out with my love before the stress of the wedding hits!! I am so excited!!

Here's just a bitty preview of my awesome time that I had with my awesomely patient 
photog Susan Solo for my bridal photo shoot!

Hey! Did you notice? Those numbers makes up the date of my wedding :)
9.10.11.
IX.X.XI


51 days away! 

This is a picture that Dave's mom took on her iPhone during the shoot. 
She has such an eye for this stuff!
Isn't Annapolis just beautiful?

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Military Wedding Giveaway!

David and I were selected as a finalist in Bayside Bride's Military Wedding Giveaway!! :) I am so excited and I wanted to announce it!!  The voting starts today.  Please hop over to their new and BEAUTIFUL wedding website.  Please vote EVERYDAY until Sunday -because you love me!! It would be so very much appreciated if you voted for us (Reina and David)!



Thanks much loves!!!

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Bloggy Meet-up! Milwaukee Edition

Hey y'all, I'm back from a long blog hiatus!

I recently traveled to Milwaukee for a lia sophia jewelry conference (that's for another story).  I had never been to this part of the midwest and I didn't anticipate getting to see much of the Brewer's city.  Let's just say that I was DELIGHTED to get to not only get to see the city but meet Carmen from We See the Same Stars!!!! We had yummy custard (with strawberries and chocolate chips), then she gave me an awesome tour of the city; which I must say, from what I saw, looks like a really awesome place to live!!  Here are some pics to recap my time with my new bloggy love!

This city has such a cool mix of architecture... old and new juxtaposed!
My loveeeely tour guide!


YAY for new bloggie love meet-ups!!! 

Thanks to Carmen for such a fun time :)
 
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