New Website, No Venue, Never Been There

I updated our Knot website last night...it's still not final but it's getting there :) You can view it here.  Like I said, it's a work in progress, but so much fun to have it going!  I will update as we have more information.  Which leads me to my next point...


We have no ceremony venue!  I have fallen in love with a reception site that does not have enough space for our guests for the wedding.  They offered us a 'gathering' for the ceremony, but I personally don't want any of my guests standing for the ceremony.  Thoughts?  Now I am in search mode for any and all churches nearby.  Not an easy task, and I am not a fan of churches who do not allow non-members to get married there.  I am a member of A church, just not YOUR church.  Ugh.  More phone calls today & fingers crossed we will find somewhere.  The good news is that I have an excellent plan B venue in downtown Atlanta that has both ceremony and reception space, so we'll use it if we need to.  I just reeeeally have my heart set on plan A.  Any suggestions?


In other news, Delta.com just told me I leave for South Africa in 19 days....what?!? Good news is I was finally able to switch to an aisle seat.  I used to prefer a window, but having to ask two people to move just so I can walk or pee is frustrating.  Especially on a 16 hour flight!  And other good news is that I depart back to the states in just 66 days.  Wow, I don't think I am ready mentally to be away for 47 days.  I won't get into this now because I will get emotional.  After all, I am a wimp have never been gone for this long.  I will be blogging as much as I can so family and friends (blogger friends too!) can keep up.  Truthfully I am really excited about seeing not only a new country but a new continent!  I am very blessed to have the job I have and not a day goes by when I don't realize that...this trip to the World Cup, albeit long and hard, is amazing and I am thrilled to go (and equally as thrilled to return)!


 Did you watch Betty White on SNL this weekend?! She was great, and I was thrilled that the Lawrence Welk sketch made another appearance...see below :) 







XOXO, Chrissi

...and the fun begins!

The wedding planning has begun and there is so much to do!!! I have to admit, I am very type A, meaning I am crazy everything has it's place and I am very systematic in how I get things done. It also helps that I have assisted several friends and two sisters plan their weddings, not to mention the fact that I plan events for a living. So, all that said I am happy to report the following has been marked off of the to-do list:

• set the date
• purchase a dress
• start our registry (pictured below...BL loved the gun!)
• almost find a venue (we're down to two!!)
• book my photographer

(BL scanning my pretty Martha Stewart lasagna dish!)

.....as I said, I am crazy ;-)

What a Whirlwind!!

Last weekend I went to Nashville with some awesome gals to run my first half marathon! We had an amazing weekend and a great run! My life changed so much after crossing that line. I trained for three months and pushed myself harder than I have before. Truly though, I had no idea just how much my life would change....

Mom and I crossed the finish line together at 2:22 & it felt so good! Did not train enough for those hills, but that's beside the point now. So I came out of the food area (which I could have stayed longer but mom wanted to get out of there for some reason....haha) and was thrilled to see my sister & hug her neck. We turned the corner & I saw my awesome boyfriend who had roses & a balloon that said "you are the best" which is a phrase we use often. I was so happy to see him & happy to receive my goodies too! So, we stood there for a bit & my sister took a photo.

So at this point Bobby turns around and says "now picture this"....and got down on one knee....and my heart skips a beat and I have no clue what took over my body but I said "no you are not" at least 5 times and could not stop laughing. BL said the most wonderful things and of course I screamed yes when he asked me to be his wife....Best. Moment. EVER. And the crowd around us cheered a little & congratulated us. Oh man, I am getting married to my best friend...to say I am thrilled would be putting it mildly.

One of my sisters was there, so the first call I made was to my other sister. This picture was taken when we were on the phone. I'm not quite sure if I'm exited here....

I'm beyond blessed to have this man & I can't wait to become Mrs. Bobby Lyons!!!

what a GREAT three years :)

Three years ago today I drove home from PetSmart with a new friend, and my life has been blessed by that little guy ever since! I am so glad I gave an abandoned 6 month old puppy a chance, and I have had a wonderful three years with him. Those of you who are dog people can understand what I mean when I say Gus and I have a real connection and I don't want to think of what life would be like without this little man around :) Happy Anniversary, you sweet pup!

(Guster popping in to say 'hello' while I work)

(little man after his first bath with me!)

(my friendly Gus)

2010 Final Four...Indy Style

...just got back from the Final Four in Indianapolis...what a week! Better yet, what a season...March Madness and Final Four are my biggest responsibilities for the year, so preparing for these takes over my life, and now that they are over I can have my life back. While I was there I got to meet some really neat people...most famous would have to be Mr. Scottie Pippen. Dang, is that man tall or what!? He was at an event our client sponsored, and when he was introduced to me, he looked down and said "how are you doing pretty little lady?" to which I replied "little is an understatement right now, you're huge!!" He got a good laugh and smiled for the picture. I love it when famous people actually interact with you. I was not star struck, but I was impressed. This was a fun moment...

Here are some of the US Paralympic Basketball Team members with the Bob Cousy Award winner Greivis Vasquez. What an outstanding kid (he is younger than me so I guess it's ok to say kid?!)
The next few pictures are from a clinic The Hartford hosted with the US Paralympians. This was one of the most humbling experiences of my life. 6 wheelchair athletes and 27 kids (a few adults too) as young as 5 who are in wheelchairs. I must have praised God 1,000 times that morning for the blessing of being able to walk. These folks don't let anything hold them back. What a great life lesson.....

(what an adorable 5 year old, Brayden...he stole everyone's heart that morning!!)

Our Friday welcome event features two familiar faces to the sports world, Dick Vitale & Jay Bilas...these guys were outstanding & entertaining to listen to. I still don't understand how anyone can know so much about so many athletes. It blows my mind (and also makes me wonder whether they know the latest gossip from People magazine like I do?)!

(this is me with the actual championship trophy that was awarded to Duke Monday night)

Now on to something very exciting that I have been waiting to post about....I found out a few weeks ago that I would be spending 45 days in the country of South Africa for the World Cup this summer. I am so excited to get to work such an exciting event & will certainly be using my blog to keep everyone updated on how things are going. Being away for 45 days will be tough, but I will put my big girl panties on & deal with it...it is so exciting!!

That's all for now folks. Hope you're having a great week & your car isn't too yellow from that nasty pollen!

xoxo,

Chrissi