greatbear: (jeff and me)
Phil ([personal profile] greatbear) wrote2014-06-14 01:03 am

A pretty big day for Friday 13

Today Jeff and I had one of our most productive errand-based type of day. He started earlier than I, going to work as usual while the sun itself was still snoring away. I got up before the dogs bothered to squirm about in the bed to get me up, whereupon Jeff came home and took me to one of my myriad doctors for more jamming of needles and chemicals into my spinal column. After that, we headed up to the auxiliary courthouse building to get our marriage license. We got a bit confused because the building didn't look right, and I tried in vain to get my now-worthless smartphone (Thanks, Obama Verizon!) to work, making me frustrated and beating it on the dash. We stopped at Wendy's for a breakfast/lunch (it was lunch as far as food type) while I waited for the several reboots of the phone in order to get more details of where to go. After the meal, we headed back to the sprawling government building, where we found the marriage license department first off. The process was remarkably easy and quick, aided by every one of the office staff genuinely happy and congratulatory over and above courteous and helpful the entire time. As we finished up in the last minute, and gave our thank-yous among the well wishing, it really started to hit us. Both of us were trying and failing to hold back happy tears as we left the building.

From there, it was to the Mall in Columbia (Don't call it The Columbia Mall), for wedding and vacation clothing. I'm not fond of clothes shopping at all, but today, buoyed by our almost giddiness, we had fun with it. Bonus points for both of us getting smaller clothes this time as well (I haven't worn a 34 waist in probably 34 years). I managed to get some loud shirts and shorts for vacation(s) among more sensible stuff, and had an uncharacteristically good time doing so. We were also there for giftage for the wedding "crew", but our initial idea had gotten way too expensive and impractical when we inquired about the personalization. I'm way too practical, and our initial idea did kinda fly in the face of the practicality, and it hit with the force of a slushball in a heavy winter snow when we got specifics. We discovered that several very unique stores had opened in an outside area next to the mall and we went exploring. We hit the jackpot. I told Jeff that I think we just found our "practical gifts" and his face lit up like mine. The deal was done, and we pick up the goodies tomorrow. I have a neat idea for personalization too.

From there we put the final monies down on the wedding cake and cupcakes, plus another gift addition for the "crew." The bakery came up while I was making small talk on the operating table at the doctor's, as the x-ray tech and the doctor were familiar with the place, and the tech told me of the little, slightly run-down little convenience grocer in the same area that had good deli salads. So, I wrapped up the day by picking up some of the homemade macaroni and potato salad before heading home. The salads accompanied some mega tuna melts I made on the panini grill/press in an effort to give Jeff a break from cooking. We ate our dinner on the deck, continuing the nearly non-stop talking and planning and still frustrating things that still need taking care of. The next couple weeks will be insanely busy. I hope my back can withstand the rather serious labor I'm about to put it through (hence the trip to the doc today) as the deck, house and gazebo get pressure washed, the front door, frame and sidelights replaced, deck repairs, house and yard cleaning, landscaping and other stuff to make our paradise just that for our big, big day.

Outside the courthouse I attempted a selfie of us. I botched it in my nervous glee, and a couple going in for their license, despite taking our pic with the phone, didn't manage to do it right. so this is what we have.



As the cool kids say, shit just got real.

[identity profile] bitterlawngnome.livejournal.com 2014-06-14 06:25 am (UTC)(link)
such a happy face :)

[identity profile] greatbearmd.livejournal.com 2014-06-15 03:59 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, it is. I haven't felt this kind of excitement and happiness for a very long time.

[identity profile] maxauburn.livejournal.com 2014-06-14 06:44 am (UTC)(link)
The pic came out plenty good!

You and Jeff look awesome!

Love your beard! Very nice!

[identity profile] greatbearmd.livejournal.com 2014-06-15 04:02 am (UTC)(link)
Before the wedding Jeff and I are going to treat ourselves to a trip to a barber shop. My beard is a mess, as standing in front of a mirror and hunched over the bathroom counter was not doable, so I basically have what I call my Beard of Frustration. I will have it shaped up nicely and reined in a bit, something I haven't been able to do properly for a while. We do each others haircuts, so we've saved a lot in barber's fees over the years, we deserve a treat for the big day. :)

[identity profile] maxauburn.livejournal.com 2014-06-15 04:35 am (UTC)(link)
Understood, as I started cutting my own hair at age 12 because barbers used to chop my hair badly when I was young. I started getting good at it by age 23. I used to cut George's hair, too, as well as the hair of others.

It really does save lots of money when you do things like that for yourself!

[identity profile] holy13nation.livejournal.com 2014-06-14 08:57 am (UTC)(link)
34 waist..hell, good on you. Not least because of the challenges you have had to face. How do you do that?

Having just trimmed mine right now you go and give me beard envy.
Looking good!

[identity profile] holy13nation.livejournal.com 2014-06-14 08:59 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, apologies. Congratulations too!

[identity profile] greatbearmd.livejournal.com 2014-06-15 04:11 am (UTC)(link)
No apologies needed. Thank you!

[identity profile] greatbearmd.livejournal.com 2014-06-15 04:11 am (UTC)(link)
You definitely give me beard envy when I see your dapper shots. :)

As for losing the weight, the pain, the immobility and the lacking desire to eat took a toll each time, and post-surgery it plummeted even more. I tried to make some good out of it by keepin the weight off mostly by limiting the portion sizes of what I eat, and eating healthier is something both of us have been doing. Jeff has lost over 30 pounds by seeing a personal trainer and going to a gym regularly, this in an effort to finally get off of lots of medicines relating to his heart attack and generally wanting a healthier lifestyle. He has more energy, sleeps better and has more ambition. So part of our clothes buying was a chance to see how well we could do in smaller sizes, and, by golly, it happened.

Unfortunately, with the pain and immobility from all these recurring back issues, I lost a good deal of muscle mass in my legs. All of the pants that I had that practically looked painted on now flap sadly in the wind. My days of 28 inch quads are long gone.

[identity profile] vicar.livejournal.com 2014-06-14 10:00 am (UTC)(link)
Well I disagree with your opinion on the pic - heart it!

[identity profile] greatbearmd.livejournal.com 2014-06-15 04:12 am (UTC)(link)
Aw, thanks!

[identity profile] mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com 2014-06-14 12:33 pm (UTC)(link)
SO exciting to read about your upcoming nuptials!! Isn't it interesting how a day can go so well when it's filled with happiness? The happiness feeds on itself.

The photo may be a bit off kilter, but you can see you've got your marriage license and the two of you, so all's good! Congratulations!!

Big HUGS!

[identity profile] greatbearmd.livejournal.com 2014-06-15 04:13 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, Neil, this day was one for the record books for us. Big and little happy moments all day.

Thank you!

[identity profile] mort-83.livejournal.com 2014-06-14 12:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Yay!!!

Congratulations, again!!!

Hope you're feeling better. :)

[identity profile] greatbearmd.livejournal.com 2014-06-15 04:13 am (UTC)(link)
I think the shot might have made some improvements. I still need to hit a bit of the opium tho. lol

Thanks, Marty!

[identity profile] geometrician.livejournal.com 2014-06-14 07:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Wonderful news and a good photo, too! Awesomeness all around.

[identity profile] greatbearmd.livejournal.com 2014-06-15 04:14 am (UTC)(link)
Thanks muchly!

[identity profile] ciddyguy.livejournal.com 2014-06-14 10:42 pm (UTC)(link)
That is indeed a great shot of the two of you, and we get a taste of your marriage license, and that's the important thing, along with you both smiling, always a good thing.

Good luck with the final push to get this thing off the ground!

[identity profile] greatbearmd.livejournal.com 2014-06-15 04:14 am (UTC)(link)
It's gonna truly be a special day!

[identity profile] goldibehr.livejournal.com 2014-06-15 12:27 am (UTC)(link)
You managed to get all the important pieces in there!

[identity profile] greatbearmd.livejournal.com 2014-06-15 04:15 am (UTC)(link)
I make do with what I got. ;)

[identity profile] merlinwon.livejournal.com 2014-06-15 01:27 am (UTC)(link)
Great pic of you sexy men!!

Congrats on the wedding!

[identity profile] greatbearmd.livejournal.com 2014-06-15 04:15 am (UTC)(link)
That's in (only!) two weeks!
ext_173199: (Dance!)

[identity profile] furr-a-bruin.livejournal.com 2014-06-15 01:41 am (UTC)(link)
Congratulations!

[identity profile] greatbearmd.livejournal.com 2014-06-15 04:15 am (UTC)(link)
Danke!

[identity profile] fingertrouble.livejournal.com 2014-06-16 03:16 am (UTC)(link)
Congrats! Well I know it isn't the ceremony but it's official I guess? ;-) Or does it need to be notified/signed too?

Not really up on this marriage stuff...

[identity profile] dan4behr.livejournal.com 2014-06-16 09:53 am (UTC)(link)
Awesome picture of the two of you.

Sincere congrats! And don't over-do things. I know there's a sense of immediacy to get a lot done. Just take care!

[identity profile] mcbulldawg.livejournal.com 2014-06-18 04:15 am (UTC)(link)
Congrats!!!!!!!!