Sep062010

30 Days: Day 13 Your mode of transportation

Luna: no UF or ECU stickers yet, she was still new

My current mode of transport is a 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring crossover wagon. Her name is Luna and she’s silver and has huge amounts of storage space. The left side of the car has the University of Florida alumni stickers and the right has the East Carolina University alumni stickers. Luna is an equal opportunity fan of my education and the Gators and Pirates. =)

I honestly never thought I’d own a Hyundai again. Two cars ago, I had a Hyundai. She was great until about 55k miles then things just started going wrong. Actually, long before that the back window leaked and my entire trunk was covered in water and mildew. Yeah, it was gross. So gross that I took out the carpeted layer and threw it out. I was really fortunate to turn the Sonata in for a huge trade-in value to purchase my super sporty red sparkly Mazda 3 Sonata that I named Moxie Crimefighter.

Moxie was an awesome, fun to drive 5-speed sports car. I loved her, adored her, drove everywhere in her. But she just wasn’t big enough to put anyone in the back seat let alone future rear-facing baby seats. I knew it was only a matter of time that I had to let her go. With my impending graduation, I knew most car companies offered incentives for graduates.

So I did my research. I googled all sorts of mini SUVs and compared storage space to find the biggest. One night we went to Borders and I sat for hours scouring Car & Driver, Consumer Reports and a bunch of other car magazines. Even though it had only hit the market in 2009, the Hyundai Elantra Touring had ridiculously high marks. It consistently scored at the top of all the categories AND had the most storage space. Like I said, I was shocked that I was heavily considering another Hyundai.

On January 23rd, I went in for a test drive and spent the next several hours negotiating a considerably lower than sticker price. Want to read more?

Sep052010

Life Update

I debated long and hard about not posting my dress online. And I lost... to myself. So I present you with my wedding dress. Kindly ignore the super-fab hair turban. I was fresh from the shower. =D

I know, you probably miss my wedding chatter, right? (I didn’t think so.) Are you enjoying reading the 30 Days of Becca? I’m having fun writing it.

There hasn’t been a whole lot of wedding-related stuff happening lately. Hopefully you’re following my antics over on TweetMyWedding, though I do cross post my entries here. This week, I had my first (and only) fitting of my wedding dress. All it needed was an adjustment to the straps. And, well, a larger bust section*, but that’s not happening.

After contacting several Vegas hair and make-up artists about a month ago, I realized that my time is ticking down quite rapidly. I finally booked Storybook Brides after checking their reviews on WeddingWire, Facebook, and even their web page. Yes, they were the cheapest and I’m hoping that doesn’t bite me in the butt. I’ve emailed the owner several times and she seems very nice and responds quickly. All her reviews on WW are really positive. For an updo, it is $80 and they’ll come to our hotel room. I’m doing my own make-up, which means I need to practice! It’s been a while since I’ve worn make-up and even longer (never) since I’ve put on photo-worthy make-up.

The problem now is that I really need some awesome pictures of updo’s that can hold my heavy-ish veil. This is where all y’all can help me. Thrilling, yes? My hair is a few inches below my shoulders. In October, in the middle of the afternoon, the temperature should be roughly 70 degrees. During October, temps fluctuate between the low 50s and the 80s. Holy gorgeous, Batman! What was I talking about? Right, hair. I tend to get very hot and always put my hair up. Add to that about 5-7 pounds of yarn. Basically, as beautiful as a half updo would be, I think it needs to be totally up. Sooooo, feel free to post me links or pictures of hair you’ve seen that you think might work. Thanks!

I ended up re-branding myself 6 weeks before my marriage officially change my name. I changed my Facebook name, my LinkedIn name, and even reserved a twitter name. Everything is set and pending for all my networking tools and websites. I’ve also created a new website (BeccaCreative.com) as I am changing my last name, which means everything branded as RIB-Art Designs is now outdated. The timing couldn’t be better as ribartdesigns.com is set to expire on 9/18/10. For the first time, I am letting a domain expire!

Tweet: I need a job. MBA, social media fiend.. loves marketing/ PR/ whatever. i’ll even do admin work. i’m not picky. is your Miami company hiring?
In non-wedding related news, I kinda need a new job. By new, I mean either part-time or full-time with somewhat flexible hours. I do have a job, sure, but it’s extremely part-time. When the work is done, I have to leave which means extremely diminished hours and paycheck. Yes, I am blessed and thankful to have a job, I just need more money to be able to pay our joint and my personal bills.

Ideally I’d love to do social media, marketing, graphics design or even admin work. Preference for work is south Kendall, Homestead or anywhere easily accessible from the turnpike since we’re literally right off the pike. I have been using both Twitter and Facebook to find personal connections in my network that work at companies I’ve found with ads. It’s my own version of LinkedIn’s network… sorta. I’m really not picky. We just need the extra cash. Steve just started a great new (and well-paying!) job, but I still need the money for my half of the stuff.

Tweet: looking for place to have a bday dinner near the Falls on 9/17 or 18. suggestions please! & consider yourself invited if you’re in SoFla =D
In other other news, my birthday is coming up! It’s not a milestone or anything, that’s next year. This year I’m turning 34. Next year we’ll hopefully have a big party for my 35th. I’ve trying to find a good place in a place central to Homestead and Ft Lauderdale, which somewhat seems to be The Falls area. PF Changs was suggested, which is amusing as I’ve celebrated at the Durham PF Changs for the last 2 birthdays. I’d like to try something different, something very Miami, and not a chain place. Any ideas?

So how are you doing? What’s new in your life? If you have a blog I should be reading, feel free to link it up here. I’m an avid Google reader girl and can always use more blogs to check out.

Sep052010

30 Days: Day 12 What’s in your bag

…See the whole list here…

I currently am using a Coach Signature Soho bag I bought at the Coach Outlet in Pittsburgh 2 years ago. It’s great because it’s roomy inside and has a pocket on the outside as well. I tried to find a picture online but it’s so old and off-off-off-season that I couldn’t even find it on EBay.

The outside pocket has all sorts of paperwork. There is an envelope with Vegas papers for our guests (monorail stops, bus/ shuttles stops, show info, etc), a sample of the wedding invite/ RSVP card for envelope buying, a sewing pattern for the Vegas welcome bags, the service receipt from Kendall Hyundai for Luna’s service, and a handful of credit card receipts.

The inside zipper pocket has Orbit Sweet Mint BigPak, the double mirror Jules gave me for my birthday last year, my iPod shuffle and headphones, and the “this is an authentic Coach bag” flyer thingie.

The main area has a Vera Bradley zipper pouch with pens, fine tip Sharpies (purple, green and black), and a bunch of lip glosses and Burt’s Bees lip balm. There is also my butter yellow mini Signature Coach change purse which has all my credit cards, license, insurance cards, and change. Also in the change purse are 2 good luck Chinese coins. When I’m out and about, my keys are also in the main area. The iPhone is almost always in my pants pocket so it’s easily accessible. On work days when dad drives, I have a sandwich baggie containing my latest knitting project with the pattern and a pen to keep track of my rows.

What’s in your bag? Do you keep it organized in pouches like me or is everything just thrown in there?

Sep042010

30 Days: Day 11 Your siblings

…See the whole list here…

it may be 4 years old, but it's the only one I have of the 3 of us together

I have two brothers, one older (B, right) and one younger (D, left). Our relationship has been rocky, at best. When we were younger, D and I would gang up and tattle on B. then they would gang up on me. Yeah, it was fun times. We all loved to cook together; making pancakes every weekend, cake, and muffins. We had one of those love hate relationships.

My brothers are the reason I have a split left ring finger, a scar a mere 1/4″ from my eye and several other scars I’ve had almost my whole life. The smiley face scar on my left forearm is a result of a drunken spring break debacle, though I’d love to blame it on them too. D got the corner of a hard plastic spatula to the back of his head (leaving a patch where no hair grows) for stabbing me in the hand with scissors. Yeah, double ouch.

In college, B and I lived together, in the house we purchased my sophomore year, for several years after he graduated. We got along decently, had friends in common, and partied together. It was great, until he met Dave. Dave got some weird stuff into his mind and that was the beginning of his downfall. He got mixed up in some weird crap and we haven’t had a real conversation in years. I have not spoken to B since we moved back to Miami 5 months ago. As much crap that he’s mixed up in and successfully alienated all of our mutual friends and most of our family, he is still my big brother that protected me (sometimes) growing up.

D and I never really had much in common other than being blood related. I lived in a different city for a lot of his younger life. I moved to Gainesville when he was 14 and for the brief time I was back in Miami before heading to Orlando, he was off with his new friends working on cars and acting like a teenage boy.

Fast forward to last April when we visited Miami and met D’s fantastic girlfriend. Sure, she and I were already Facebook and g-chat friends, but that’s OK. She’s made a huge difference on his life. [Mostly] gone are the days of the sullen boy with a major attitude and the kid that avoids the family in lieu of hanging with friends working on various vehicles. Now we have weekly dinner with her whole family and our whole family and any friends that want to join. It’s awesome. D is more grounded and actively involved in family affairs, even if just the weekly dinners. He comes over and helps dad with mowing the 8+ acres and other landscaping. He smiles and laughs and is actually coming to Vegas with us for our wedding. Yeah yeah, it’s their vacation too, but still. A few years ago, this never would’ve happened.

At least I still have one sibling left and an almost sibling-in-law. I totally think of D’s girlfriend as my sister already. Now they just need to admit that they’re in a relationship and get married so she’s officially my sister. Love you Cat! Oh, and you too D. =)

In the above picture, I think I was being pinched and tickled by both of them.

Sep032010

30 Days: Day 10 An inspiration

…See the whole list here…

I’m not really sure what my inspiration would be. I have aspirations, but not that many inspirations.

I am, however, inspired by a lot of the people I am friendly with on Twitter. The folks that own their own businesses be it wedding planning, photography, Etsy sellers, consulting or anything else. It is inspiring to see that hard work and perseverance really can pay off. I single that venue out since I am always seeing them posting about their schedules, specials, and clientele.

One day I want to open and run a yarn store. The problem is in the funding. I have a huge student loan debt from my recently completed MBA degree. Like huge enough that I’ll be paying it off even after my children have graduated from college. My job situation is dismal. Don’t get me wrong, I have a job which is more than a lot of people can say. The problem is it is a very part time job and I cannot pay all my bills. It’s freaking me out to say the least.

But that’s not what this post is about, that comes into play on Day 21, so be sure to keep reading. Oh look, my aspirations are the last day. Y’all have that to look forward to at least.

I am also crazy inspired by the uber talented knitters and fiber designers I see online. Every time I knit something, it gets rave reviews, but I’m totally amateur compared to these talented ladies.* Even the personal blogs and test knitting communities on Ravelry are chock full of insane talent. Granted, I only learned to knit about 4 years ago, but I want someone to rave about my knitting talent. My veil is my single greatest knitting accomplishment to date. I revel in that.

So, what inspires you? I bet it’s harder to think of then you might think.

Sorry this one is so lightweight. I guess I’m just not inspired by much. =)

*Sure, men knit, but they’re few and far between in my world.

Sep022010

30 Days: Day 09 Your beliefs

…See the whole list here…

image source: magiclamp.org

My beliefs. This should be easy, right?

I was raised in a reform Jewish synagogue. I went to Sunday school, then Hebrew school. At 13 I was bat mitzvahed. At 16 I was confirmed. That’s where my Jewish education ended. In college I hung out with a girl that grew up in a more conservative Jewish household. We went to conservative high holiday services and it intrigued me. Growing up the services were about 90% in English. At the conservative services it was more like 50%. I vaguely remembered some Hebrew from when I was in Hebrew school classes, but not much. Kinda like how much Spanish I know after 9 years of classes…

Anywho, these days I am far more “spiritual” than “religious” in terms of my beliefs. I have not set foot inside a synagogue since my youngest cousin’s bar mitzvah umm.. 4 or so years ago. (Sorry, Eric, I can’t remember how old you are!) My ex-fiance was the only Jewish guy I’ve ever dated. BD was half-Jewish, but he was before that. My first love was Jewish, but we never dated. Since those 3 guys in college, every single guy I dated was not Jewish. But then, religion was never an issue until now. And even now it’s mostly a non-issue.

By now, I mean that I am marrying a Protestant and we will be having children in the not so distant future. Technically according to Jewish law, the children’s religion is their mother’s religion as the father was not always known. We won’t be having that problem. My childrens father will be my amazing almost-hubby, Steve. We have had this discussion. We agree on our beliefs, even if they are not the traditional Jewish or Protestant views. We both believe in a higher being, say our prayers and don’t believe in organized religion.

This is what I believe in

image source: amazon.com

In the non-religious aspect, I believe in fairness, justness, tolerance and creativity. I believe everyone should have their own beliefs and no one should ever try to foist their beliefs on anyone else. I believe in respect and in respecting others. I do not believe that anyone has a right to make anyone else feel small, insignificant or incorrect about their beliefs.

I had a job where my boss and the owner of the company told me I needed to believe in Jesus and attend church with her in order to save my soul. She constantly gave me religious gifts with notes inside about Jesus and Christianity. It was the most uncomfortable time in my life. Ironically, she fired me for noncompliance on the job. I was trying to make them more efficient and easier to work with and for and she would have none of it.

What do you believe in?

Sep012010

30 Days: Day 08 A precious item

…See the whole list here…

I’d like to preface this by telling you that I’ll be turning 34 in 15 days. I think that’ll make this post worse, but hey, whatever. It’s the truth.

My precious item is my baby blanket. No, I don’t mean my baby’s blanket. We don’t have kids yet. I mean my baby blanket, as in the one I had in my crib in infancy.

Mom and I did some digging a few months ago when I asked where I got it. It turns out my great aunt Pearl made it for me. She was my maternal grandfather’s sister. Mom found her name with this gift next to it in my baby book. Oh yes, mom has all of our baby books 36, 34 and 30 years after our births.

The fabric is white with yellow daisies, a white ruffle around the entire border and random yellow satin bows tied through the fabric. At one point, it had nice thick bunting inside. When you constantly wash and crumble up bunting, it doesn’t hold up that well. Several years ago I finally pulled the clumps out and sewed the sides back together.

Also, it’s about the softest silkiest fabric to ever touch my skin. I take it with me on every vacation and yes, it will be in Vegas with us on our honeymoon. Steve totally accepts my craziness as every time he makes the bed, I find it folded up under my pillow.

I also have a pink crocheted afghan that another great aunt made for me. This one was my maternal grandmother’s sister and the only one of her siblings to have passed away already. Her name was Martha and for some reason, all blankets she made are referred to as a Martha Gaga.

I know, you think I’m a crazy person. But you know what? When the babies I’ve gifted items to are in their 30s, I hope they have fond memories of their baby items too. I also hope my babies will love anything I make for them.

It’s a pretty blankie at least….

Aug312010

30 Days: Day 07 Your best friend

…See the whole list here…

Jennifer: one of my favorite people on the planet and the mother to two of my other favorite people on the planet.

She is my bestie, my BFF, my partner-in-crime, my confidante, my house of memories, my Zeffer. I would truly be lost without her in my life. Although, if you asked the 15 year old me in April 1992, I would have told you that she is the most evil and bitchy chain smoking alcoholic on the planet.

Little did I know that it would be our mutual love of college football and our mutual hatred of the Seminoles. Yep, our first outing together was the UM-FSU game at the Orange Bowl. It was amazing and we stayed up till like 4am talking and laughing about boys, football, cars probably and tons of other topics. From then, we were pretty much inseparable.

Even though she wasn’t in high school with me (much), I still hung out with her when I skipped school (often). Off I went to college in Gainesville, where she visited as often as she could. Talk about friendship… she was a true Gator Hater born and raised by some hardcore ‘Canes fans.

We spent Christmases in Newton, NC accompanied by looooong road trips driving there and back. She is my sister. Her parents are my parents. She became a welcome member of my family when she saved my life in my sophomore year of college. She is the mother to my 2 beautiful godsons. Two little boys that I don’t get to see nearly as often as I’d like. Mostly because I love them to pieces and would give anything for them, but also because with them around, she’d be around.

I haven’t seen her since last Christmas and really need a Zeffer fix soon.

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