I don't do New Years Resolutions...

Well, it's January.

Which means it's time for New Years Resolutions. 

I used to do that. I can't remember how successful I was with it. It almost feels like a social pressure to make resolutions at the turn of a new year.

Then I decided to focus on a word each year. Balance. Receive. Simplify. Gratitude. Hope.

Fun stuff like that.

That has become a very popular concept as well. 

I tried that out for a bit and prefer that to resolutions.

But this year? 

This year I picked a phrase, or mantra: "Do (more of) what makes you happy."

I guess if it were a word, it would be happiness. 

And the funny part is, I always end this blog with "Do what makes you happy". Guess I should follow my own advice, right? LOL.

The trick is, what actually makes me happy?

That is such a personal thing and is different for everyone. What makes my husband happy might not make me happy. 

For example, he's totally into football (especially college football, more specifically Miami college football). I am not. Watching football does not make me happy. My hubby? He is such a happy camper when he is watching a Miami game. Especially if they are winning.

Me? I would much rather read a book. 

Reading makes me happy.

So does playing the piano. 

Working out. 

Writing.

Connecting with friends. 

Traveling.

Spending time with family.

Spending time with my husband.

Hanging out with my cat. 

Long walks in nature.

Dancing.

The list goes on an on...

It seems simple, right? Just figure out what makes you happy and do more of it.

Now. That being said, what makes me happy also drives me towards certain goals.

Like I want to do another piano performance this year.

And a figure competition.

Good thing both playing the piano and working out make me happy.

So, if you are into resolutions, allow a phrase like "Would it make me happy/happier?" drive you in that resolution. 

I am not "resolving" to perform in a recital or compete in a bodybuilding competition. I am allowing my passion for playing and staying fit inspire me to reach those goals. 

So, it's just a thought.

Find what makes you happy and let that influence your goals.

Word.

Today's back workout:

Do more of what makes you happy.

Always.

What now?

Well, that's a wrap.

2017 is in the bag.

Wedding planning is over.

Back to normalcy.

But what is "normal" anyway?

We have been planning this wedding since March.

Almost every free waking moment has revolved around the wedding. Whether it be the actual "physical" planning of it or just the incredible amount of mental (and emotional!) energy it takes up. 

Anyone who has planned a wedding gets it.

My brain was literally wedding wedding wedding wedding wedding wedding wedding wedding...

ALL. THE. TIME.

And now?

Nothing.

Well, some things. Like all the little follow-up stuff ("where are we going to put all these gifts?", thank you notes, name change shenanigans, etc.) ... but compared to the actual planning part?

This is a breeze!

So. Back to "normal".

Not quite sure what that is yet (because it was literally wedding --> honeymoon --> Christmas --> a few days ...LOL!), but I am looking forward to getting back into things that I put on the back burner for a bit.

Like playing the piano.

Reading books for pleasure.

Catching up on Netflix shows.

(we are in the midst of watching Marvel's "The Punisher" ... soooo good!)

NOT THINKING ABOUT THE WEDDING.

Ahhhhhhh...

But you know what?

It was so worth it.

We look back on the photos (we just go the professional ones the other day -- EEEEEEEK!!!) and are just overcome with joy with all the beautiful memories from that day. It was truly an incredible day. I couldn't have dreamt of it going any better then it did.

And now we're husband and wife.

I've been digging it.

It's a pretty awesome feeling.

I LOVE using the word "husband" whenever I can. 😃

So, on the eve of going back to school after 3 weeks off, I remind myself to breathe and go slowly.

Be gentle with myself.

I'll get my groove back. 

And will find that normalcy and balance that I seek.

As for this blog? We'll see. I started writing to keep myself accountable with my workouts as I prepped for the wedding.

I have really enjoyed writing. Mainly because I love inspiring others in any way that I can. It's kind of like teaching in that way. If I can make a difference in just one student's life, then it makes it all worth it. If reading whatever I write inspires any of you awesome readers in any way, that makes it all worth it for me. 

So I'll find my voice with this blog as it continues to evolve.

Speaking of which...

No workouts to post today. Though I did do a leg workout 4 days ago and am still feeling the DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) from it! Ugh. I know better. Fail. LOL.

Let's rock this 2018.

Thanks for reading, as always! 

Do what makes you happy.

Wedding Recap

I'm MARRIED!!!!

Woohoohoo!

I couldn't be more excited!

In love.

In awe of all the love I felt that day.

From my now husband and all our guests.

It still feels like a blur.

I don't even know how to write about this because I am still letting it all sink in.

So, I will share the experience of my wedding through photos for now (which ya'll love anyway...LOL!).

Saturday was our rehearsal. We showed up at our venue on time. The doors were locked. I was slightly freaking out because we needed to unload all the alcohol for the reception and everything we needed for the ceremony as well as do a walk through of the ceremony with our family and wedding planner. 

Eventually, someone showed up to unlock the doors (10+ mins late), but I certainly had a moment there. We walked through everything. Sort of. Our Rabbi and Priest could not be there. We met with them both separately during this whole process (the Priest on Saturdays, the Rabbi on Sundays...LOL!), so we had never actually all met together at the same time to discuss the ceremony. My hubby and I weren't quite sure what this ceremony would look like...just keeping our fingers crossed!

We had a lovely rehearsal at the Tabard Inn with family and the wedding party.

Silliness ensued. 

My groom may or may not be putting is hands somewhere he shouldn't be... LOL!

Then the bridal party went and got mani/pedis. 

And popped open a bottle of champagne!

Super fun.

We met friends and family at the hotel bar. That was so much fun. And very touching. It was so wonderful seeing all these people here to celebrate with us! And meeting some people for the first time, too.

We then moved over to a bar with a TV so my groom could watch the Miami/Clemson game. It was not a good night for his team. But us getting married the next day didn't make him too mopey. 

I surprised him with this shirt. 

He loved it. 

😃 

The morning of...

LOTS of nervous energy.

Generally excited.

But certainly some nervousness, hoping everything would go as smoothly as I wanted it to.

I needed to move.

So I went for a run with one of our guests. A good 4 miles.

We actually ran to the Jefferson Memorial to check out our "first look" spot. That was at around 8am. It was hard to believe we would be setting eyes on each other only 5 hours later. 

I then had some time back at my hotel. Showered. Relaxed. Had pastries delivered. My amazing Make-up (Bombshell Blowouts) and Hair (Izzy B Make-up) ladies arrived and it was time to beautify.

It's amazing how they can enhance one's beauty to a whole other level. Wow!

I was blown away when I looked in the mirror.

Put on the dress...

Then off in the limo with my Matron of Honor to our first look spot.

We were blessed with absolutely gorgeous weather. It felt more like an October day rather than an early December one!

I met my groom on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial.

It was an absolutely magical moment. I couldn't have dreamed of a better one.

We were both in awe.

Then we toured around getting pictures at a lot of other monuments and beautiful spots in DC.

(Stephanie Rita)

(Stephanie Rita)

Then off to the venue for family photos.

And the icon blessing and ketubah signing.

My big faux pas ... signing in the Rabbi spot rather than the Bride spot on the ketubah! 

OMG. This is a permanent document that will last generations... ay yay yay!

That's OK. At least one thing had to go wrong.

There were others which I won't get into, but that will certainly be the most memorable! 

The ceremony ...

Amazing.

Beautiful.

So "us".

An incredibly touching blend of our Jewish and Ukrainian traditions.

There were so many beautiful moments in the ceremony.

I was deeply touched.

And I know the guests were, too.

Next up: getting everyone out for the room flip.

Our ceremony and reception were in the same space which adds a little added complexity to getting things together. 

But our wedding planner (Party Bea) and catering company (Eat & Smile) did an exceptional job of making things run smoothly. 

We had a private moment together and then with our wedding party and popped open a bottle of champagne.

Seeing the "korovai", or wedding bread for the first time. 

Tried to bustle my dress.

Enjoyed dinner and meaningful toasts.

Had our first dance.

And father/daughter dance.

And the Horah.

More dancing.

And more celebrating at the hotel bar.

A day to remember, for sure.

There was lots of love in the room that day and I find that I am falling even more in love with my husband. Which is a little unexpected since I already feel such a deep love for him. But WOW.

This is good stuff!

Back at school as “Mrs. Rosenberg”.

I've been coasting through the last few days.

Sooooo ready for the honeymoon!

I DID NOT work out today. Not since wedding morning.

I have enjoyed snuggling up to and cuddling with my husband in the mornings.

THAT makes me happy.

SUPER happy.

So do what makes you happy.