And you will ask yourself: How did I get here?

Well hello there.

So. Things have really changed since I left off.

We live in our sweet little house now. I've done a handful of things to help transform it into our home. Nothing is done but we've made progress. Off the top of my head: I ripped out the stinky carpet to find the floors need refinished. I painted the kitchen cabinets white but have not gotten around to hanging the doors back and swapping out the hardware. I painted the dining room but need to touch up the trim and put the outlet covers back on. I hung a different light fixture but need to find a ceiling medallion to hide a slight gap at the ceiling.

We got maaaaaaarried.

We got a PUPPY!!! He is a boston terrier we named Gimli and he is the (second) love of my life. We adopted him from a rescue 5 days after our wedding when he was 9 weeks old. Such a sweet little man.

I decided to add another major and added some more time onto my graduation date. -sad trombone- BUT this course of study provides more opportunities for work.

I turned 24.

Matt went to Malaysia for a week.

And now its time for Christmas?!?!?!

Here and now

It has been almost a month since my last post. In that time we have closed on our house, moved in, and the countdown to the wedding is ridiculously low. Currently I'm sitting on our Craigslist couch writing a ginormous to-do list because my thoughts are swarming in my head. Current tally: 27 to-do's. Mostly wedding related (lot's of final payments due.) A few homework assignments. Some house work.

I am so happy to be here. I am so happy to be filling this home with life again. I am so happy to be marrying my guy.

There is so much major stuff happening in our lives right now. But I can honestly say this is the best wave of craziness I could ask to ride right now.

It is so nice to finally be home.

Preserve Family

Letterform

I just saw this Etsy photo of a print that looks like a mason jar. Initially my heart swelled with that oh-em-gee-so-cute-I-want-that-in-my-kitchen feeling. Then I remembered that my family doesn't have any recipes. Or fabulous heirlooms. Or wonderful traditions. Or attics full of forgotten treasure. Or special sayings and mottos. Or... well... anything. We all kind of just exist. Nothing is terribly sacred. We have a hutch full of someones pretty old dishes and stuff but I couldn't tell you whose it was. We have never used it. It never gets dusted. They just sit there in their wood and glass tomb.

This is what fuels my desires to be a mother. I so badly miss the traditions and family mottos I never had. I miss family treasures. I miss the idiosyncrasies that make a Braverman a Braverman (can't wait for the next season. I know they are actors but what they portray is real.) It is what fuels me to rescue thrift store antiques. I want to be a mother who celebrates birthdays with gusto. I want to fix this broken lineage of people who just disappear. I want to pass something on to people that sticks with them in the best way. I carry a lot of hurt from my family. They are rubber and I am glue. I want my children to catch themselves doing something just the way I did it as they raise their own families. Is it weird to feel this way? Children aren't on the horizon for a few years and I'm already thinking about my grandkids. I will be the start of a new line. Where things are special and respected. I know stuff is just stuff but I think we ought to be able to hold something our great-great-great-grandmothers held if we treat a few sacred things with care. The cake cutting set we chose for the wedding isn't flashy at all. It isn't fine silver or ivory. It is simple metal, sold by Macy's with Martha Stewart's name on the box. The handles look like twigs and I love them. I hope these simple utensils are used again throughout the years and become engrained in the minds of my children. I hope they get passed along as a reminder of all the good times.

Summer is rolling in

Just stopping by for a quick hello.

I have not felt much like blogging lately. Not that I've blogged much so far. I just keep starting a post and then delete it and let a few more days pass.

Invitations went out after my last update. Responses are trickling in. It is so disheartening to eagerly go to the mailbox day after day and not find any RSVP cards waiting for me.  I dread making phone calls (always feel like I'm bothering the person) so I hope people follow through!!! It is fun to hilight people off my list as they come in. Thank you, early repliers :)

This weekend we are going camping. The whole fam damily. I used to love camping with my family when I was younger. We have not gone in years. I just don't feel like spending time with my family now. Isn't that TERRIBLE?! I just can't handle them right now. I don't feel very loved or respected by my parents. I feel like I need to pull away and just do me for a while. That is fine. It just feels bad. I know I should soak it in but all I really want to do is be alone lately. Meh. Fingers crossed it goes better than I expect.

We are set to close on the house next Friday. Did you see that? NEXT. FRIDAY!!!!!!!!! I am so unmotivated to pack. Today I just kept scrolling through photos of the house and daydreaming about "my counter tops" and "my ugly light fixture to replace" and "my bajillion bisque outlet covers" that I can't wait to replace. I mentally paint rooms and tear out carpet. I mentally unpack my pretty dishes and load them into "my dishwasher" and drink fresh brewed iced tea. I made it with hot water from the kettle on "my stove." Hell, I even checked Craig's List for a white gas stove today, because I don't like electric. Not that a new-to-us stove is high on the priority list right now, but since I was daydreaming anyway....
We bought paint last week. Buddy isn't made of money so we had to start small. We got paint for the kitchen (walls and cabinets) and dining room. I have an idea for the kitchen colors but no direction for the rest of the house. We did not get the paint tinted yet so this Libra girl still has plenty of freedom to flip flop her visions!

Next Sunday is the wedding shower. I am excited but shy. I am not very comfortable being the center of attention. Also, I LOATHE opening gifts in front of people. It freaks me out! I am not ungrateful at all, and I adore watching people open gifts from me. I just feel so awkward. And I don't know how fast to open. Too slow, too fast.

Oh! I had my first dress fitting on Sunday. Still fits. We made great progress with the construction of the top. My tattoos are diffused, which is exactly what I wanted. I don't want to cover my tattoos with makeup or something and try to pretend they aren't there. I also don't want the bluebird on my shoulder and the black and gray wings on my back to be the first thing I see in every wedding photo. The alterations will perfectly cover the ink while remaining sheer and lovely. I felt covered and secure without feeling like I was being swallowed up in fabric. I will see the the real deal at the next fitting. I'm very happy. It should also be hemmed and have the bustle done. Once the straps are attached I'll be good to go!! 

I can't wait. Best summer of my life is officially under way :)

Crack that whip

This wedding stuff is getting really real, really fast.

Yesterday marked 2 months until the big day. I am not prepared.

I have to send out invitations, like... yesterday. I spent last night hand addressing the envelopes, applying stamps to envelopes and post cards, and trying to inconspicuously write numbers on the back of the response cards. I ended with a cramped up dinosaur claw for a hand. Still waiting for the direction cards from the designer (my super talented sister, Emily.) Once those are here I can assemble these puppies andsend them on their merry way.

Next weekend is my first alterations appointment. Can't wait to see what we can do to customize my dress!

I'm trying to help Matt decide on a groomsman gift for each of the guys but it is hard! Everything we think of is either Cheesy with a capitol C or super lame.

The main gifts for my ladies are here and ready to be wrapped up. I love them. Will share after I give them. I'm still looking for little odds and ends to really personalize them.

I purchased Matt's wedding gift!!!! It is perfect! I cannot wait to see his face when he sees it. He is going to be so excited. PS we're doing a first look so yes, I will see his face.

We still need to plan the ceremony wording. Finalize/finish decor. Choose music. Schedule the day for the photographer. Choose cake flavor. Purchase favor supplies. Finish Matt's outfit. I know there is so much more but I can't think of it right now.

Currently I'm trying to plan the rehearsal dinner. It is proving to be very frustrating.

Let's take a moment to recenter and focus on the positive:

Here is a sneak peek. My gorgeous reproduction jadeite cake stand, vintage birdie salt and pepper shakers for the cake topper, handmade table number, and vintage yellow table cloth for the cake table. It is going to be beautiful and fun. My happy place.

Matt and I just had an impromptu Britney dance party (Til the world ends) so life is still pretty good. 

I can't believe tomorrow is MAY

I didn't get to go down to Columbus to visit Gia. Wednesday I woke up with a stuffy nose. It progressed into a full blown head cold, so no newborn babies for me. Today I am finally feeling better. Not back to full health, but better. Hopefully I am over it completely by Friday so we can head down and visit.

Today is the first day of finals week. The last finals week of my full time student career. I have 2 summer classes and 2 classes in the fall and then I'm finally freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!


Now I have to find a job. To pay back my loans.

I can't believe how things are finally coming together. Seriously. After my last final on Wednesday this semester is over. As I said, hopefully we'll visit Gia this weekend. Matt's birthday is Saturday. Then I have a week long summer class next week. Finally few weeks off. This time will be full: pack, clean, dress fitting, Memorial Day camping trip, pack, close on house, move, bridal shower, nest nest nest, dress fitting, nest, dress fitting, WEDDING, life. Things are moving fast and falling into place. In four short weeks (honestly, I don't remember 4 weeks ago) we will be closing on the house. We will have keys and start creating our home together.

Matt and I have spent plenty of time cohabiting in our 8 years together. Once college started we spent a lot of our time together and eventually shared living space with roommates. Currently we're living together with my parents. We've never lived together alone. I can't wait to take this step. I miss doing the grocery shopping and cooking for the two of us. I miss playing music while I make dinner or breakfast and he taps away at whatever he is doing on the computer. I miss burning candles while I clean. I miss the freedom and autonomy of running my own life without the judgement of my parents. I'm so ready to be done with roommates. Except for Matt, he isn't a roommate. He is a continuation of myself.

Bursting with love

House news: I am told from my secret sources (aka my aunt who lives on the same street and Grandma who live a few blocks away...) that the yard has been freshly mulched and the new roof has been put on!! I'm shocked and pleasantry surprised to see them continue the upkeep of the yard. Can't wait to get in and take some more before pictures.

Before we know it we'll be on the other side of things and looking back at how far we've come.

Baby Girl!!

I'm an aunt!!!!!!!!!!!! Matt's brother and sister-in-law just welcomed their brand new baby girl into the world! I don't know any details yet.  All I know is she is a girl. She is beautiful and you bet your bottom dollar I'll be down to meet her as soon as possible! Darn out of town relatives! I can't wait to touch her tiny toes and sniff that sweet baby smell. I can tell this is the beginning of a beautiful new world! First grandchild to Matt's side of the family. What a glorious day!!

Happy birthday little one, I love you!!!!!!!!

A good day

Yesterday I woke up with a knot in my stomach. Yesterday was the day.

The day I would try on my wedding dress.

For those of you who don't know, I'm a fluffy little lady. Busty. Apple shaped. Lets add a good dose of stress eating to the looming deadline of "The Dress" coming in and requiring you to try it on and you wake up with a knot in your stomach.

IT FIT!!!! Actually. it needs to be taken in at the bust. And majorly hemmed.  But it zipped. And its so beautiful. It's almost my dream dress. Unfortunately, it is strapless. Wah wah. I contacted the company and lucky for me I was able to order extra yardage of the overlay to construct some sort of sleeve situation. We'll figure that out in alterations.

Since the appointment was so early and we didn't have a chance to eat breakfast first Mom and I grabbed some coffee and muffins and headed home. I changed into something more fashionable and we headed out to run a few errands and find her an appropriate mother-of-the-bride dress. Mom is on the younger side and has a hard time identifying with conventional matronly mother-of-the dresses. Her original plan was to wear a vintage tea length dress but it didn't really fit in with the rest of the wedding. It was too shiny and verged on costumey. 

The girls are wearing navy cotton dresses. Dessy style 2823 in midnight. They came in last Friday and honestly, they are awesome!!!! A crisp classy cotton with pockets and a sweetheart neckline. Mmhm. The girls love them as much as I do, win!

The boys are wearing dark gray pants with white shirts, suspenders, and slim navy ties. Matt is wearing dark gray pants, a grey and white striped shirt, dark gray vest, and a navy bow tie. He is so handsome in his wedding suit. Dreamy.

So anyway, Mom tried on about a billion dresses ad wound up finding two contenders at Dillards. They're both light/medium gray, a little sparkly, and knee length. Both pretty cute. She has to decide which to wear.

As for my dress, well... you'll have to wait a few months. I'm not sharing that until the big day.

Introducing: The Roost

This is the future Honeypup Roost headquarters, aka our new home.

She was built in 1908. Most of the charm from the house has been suburbanized in a 2001 renovation, but we plan to re-inject some character and turn her into our home. I will say though, tilt in windows, forced & central air, and a dishwasher are much appreciated modern day conveniences.

Would you like a tour? Of course you would! Come on in off the sweet covered front porch and into the living room.

Living Room: The woodwork is original to the house

Dining Room: Coved ceiling and beautiful wood built-ins.

Acres of green carpet stretch from the living room going up the stairs and into the dining room. I can't wait until its soiled enough to justify ripping out and exposing the hardwood floors underneath. Can you hear the pitter-patter of my heart?

The area by the back door is a really cool pantry.

The kitchen is the heart of the home and ours seems to have fallen into a suburban builders grade vortex. That's okay: a little yellow beadboard along the walls, paint the cabinets white, butcher block counter tops, a white farmhouse ink, black and white tile on the floor, buy matching appliances, throw some pretty cafe curtains up and we'll be in business. Goodbye grape wallpaper boarder.

Lets go upstairs.

The bathroom is pretty nice. The tub surround is a slightly awful almond color, but I can live with it for a good while. It just needs some cleaning, recaulking, and accessorizing and it will be perfect to accommodate our needs. Someday I would like to switch out the light fixture, paint the frame of the mirror, and other cosmetic touches.

The future temporary master. Lucky for carpet hating me this room smells like a cat box so I have full permission to rip the carpet out. That will be a glorious day. Fingers crossed the culprit of the cat stink hasn't ruined the floor.

We really want the master to be this ever so slightly larger room across the hall but it has no overhead lighting or light switch, and the only outlet in there is polarized wrong. I hear what you're saying. Only one outlet when I count 4 in the previous photo alone?! Yep. That room got the short straw I guess. The whole house is FULL of outlets except for that one room. Oh well. Once we figure out the cost and get an electrician to come remedy the situation we'll be living in there.

 Third and final bedroom. Future nursery (Like... give it a few years.) Will probably act as a guest room or office for Matt in the mean time.

I can't wait to get the keys!!! And update with some in progress and after pictures! And see the status of the hardwood floors that lurk beneath all that carpet!!!!!!!!!!!

How nice to meet you

Hello there. My name is Melyssa. I'm a twenty-something finishing up college and embarking on the next chapter of my life. This is so exciting for me because I'm finally getting to the place in life I've wanted to be for so long!

For starers, I have a wonderful guy in my life named Matt. We've been together since we were 15 and are about to get married on July 7, 2012. I can't wait! I'm loving wedding planning and making this the best celebration of our lives!

Matt and I just purchased a house and we plan to close in June. Currently living in my parents basement we are more than ready to get back above ground, throw open the curtains to let the sunlight in, and NEST NEST NEST!!!! Matt is very analytical and practical so he tries to keep my fanciful dreamer tendencies under control. If it were up to me I'd bust down the door, paint brush in hand and go to town. He prefers we make a list, prioritize, and accomplish our projects in an orderly fashion. That guy I tell ya... he keeps this ship on course. I love him dearly and appreciate the balance he brings.

We have a beautiful fluffy cat named Chocolate Thunder, affectionately referred to as: Tuna, Thundy, Meemers, and many more. You'll get used to it.

The current plan is to settle into the house, get hitched about a month later, settle in some more, and adopt a dog in August.

As I start out I see this blog being a place for me to share house progress, wedding updates, and share our young and eventually growing family. Welcome!!!