I was on this message board I go to about "Going Green," and this is a post I read about bottled water. It was interesting and something I'd never have guessed!
* Tap water is governed by the EPA, while bottled water is governed by the FDA..
* All tap water has standards and is 100% tested, but only 30% of bottled water is tested (that which goes across state lines).
* Most bottled water comes from a municipal source, just like tap water, regardless of if its label shows a mountain and stream. Read the label, it will even tell you, except for Dasani, which won't tell you.
*Drinking bottled water can cost you upwards of $1,400 a year. The equivalent in tap water is under $1.
* If you're still unsure about your tap water, click this link to see its ingredients:
http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/DrWater/...terreports.php ...and then buy a filter. If you are still unsure, save all the plastic!
For information, click below. It's fascinating!
http://www.ehso.com/ehshome/DrWater/...r.phpOverview
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Family
As it turns out, we're leaving for CT tomorrow for a few days... kinda last minute... but the sergeant and detective that are supposed to be helping Rod through the process of being hired are kinda dragging their feet lately.
Roddy needs to take a medical exam in CT before he can receive his letter of employment from the department, which we need for mortgage commitment for our house on the 1st of September. YIKES! That's on Monday.
Sooo... since we haven't heard from them and we've e-mailed and called them at least once a day, we're just going to drive up there tomorrow, since Rod has sick days he can take, and demand that we get this appointment scheduled and taken care of so we don't have to push mortgage commitment AND our closing date back again!
I just want to get moved in.
I'm thinking about meeting up with my birth mother for the first time this weekend. We've been talking about it for a while. I'm excited about it and actually not really nervous at all. Years ago, thinking of the day I'd meet her, if I'd ever meet her, I thought I'd be terrified. But that's also back when I thought she probably had all sorts of problems and would be freaked out if I ever contacted her. The whole experience has been SO much different than I ever imagined it would be. In a good way.
With everything going on with my grandma, though, I don't really want to stress out my family. If they hear I'm going to be spending time with my biological mother, they'll probably be interested and curious and concerned all at once, and want to know more information... but everyone should be thinking about my grandma. I don't want to disturb that.
I can't wait to visit with my grandmother. She's one of my favorite people in the world - as I said in my last post. She's definitely one of my heroes. She's extremely inspiring... she was a librarian and a mother of four girls, experienced a divorce, a stroke, breast cancer twice, and becoming almost completely blind, all the while walking around downtown, fixing things in her huge house all by herself. And she has more friends than everyone I know combined. When people started learning she was sick, my mom said at times there would be five visitors over there at once.
I'm going to miss her so, so much... her advice, her stories, her company, her house, her yard, her memories, her attic, the tree in her front yard, her fireplace, her dining room, her library...
I'm going to spend as much time with her as possible this weekend. I'll have a cup of coffee with Cheryl and Rod and spend the rest of my time visiting Gran and helping Rod get this appointment set up, so we can hurry up and move up north for good and spend the rest of my time with Gran, except while I'm working... although Paul will have to understand what's going on in my family.
I'm so glad to be moving closer to family.
Advice: Family is the most important thing in the world. Don't anyone ever forget it. No matter what the circumstances.
Roddy needs to take a medical exam in CT before he can receive his letter of employment from the department, which we need for mortgage commitment for our house on the 1st of September. YIKES! That's on Monday.
Sooo... since we haven't heard from them and we've e-mailed and called them at least once a day, we're just going to drive up there tomorrow, since Rod has sick days he can take, and demand that we get this appointment scheduled and taken care of so we don't have to push mortgage commitment AND our closing date back again!
I just want to get moved in.
I'm thinking about meeting up with my birth mother for the first time this weekend. We've been talking about it for a while. I'm excited about it and actually not really nervous at all. Years ago, thinking of the day I'd meet her, if I'd ever meet her, I thought I'd be terrified. But that's also back when I thought she probably had all sorts of problems and would be freaked out if I ever contacted her. The whole experience has been SO much different than I ever imagined it would be. In a good way.
With everything going on with my grandma, though, I don't really want to stress out my family. If they hear I'm going to be spending time with my biological mother, they'll probably be interested and curious and concerned all at once, and want to know more information... but everyone should be thinking about my grandma. I don't want to disturb that.
I can't wait to visit with my grandmother. She's one of my favorite people in the world - as I said in my last post. She's definitely one of my heroes. She's extremely inspiring... she was a librarian and a mother of four girls, experienced a divorce, a stroke, breast cancer twice, and becoming almost completely blind, all the while walking around downtown, fixing things in her huge house all by herself. And she has more friends than everyone I know combined. When people started learning she was sick, my mom said at times there would be five visitors over there at once.
I'm going to miss her so, so much... her advice, her stories, her company, her house, her yard, her memories, her attic, the tree in her front yard, her fireplace, her dining room, her library...
I'm going to spend as much time with her as possible this weekend. I'll have a cup of coffee with Cheryl and Rod and spend the rest of my time visiting Gran and helping Rod get this appointment set up, so we can hurry up and move up north for good and spend the rest of my time with Gran, except while I'm working... although Paul will have to understand what's going on in my family.
I'm so glad to be moving closer to family.
Advice: Family is the most important thing in the world. Don't anyone ever forget it. No matter what the circumstances.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Church
Kaley and Billy introduced us to London Bridge Baptist Church.
We're not sure we consider ourselves Baptists (we're not sure what we are yet, if we even want to call ourselves something specific other than just having faith and belief), but the church is amazing and something I've been longing to check out for a while.
Thanks, K & B!
They also got us personalized Bibles for wedding presents that are really neat. I plan to have the whole thing read and learned ASAP.
Just a note: I don't resent my upbringing not going to church every Sunday my entire childhood, I actually like learning on my own and figuring out that I believe something or am interested in something without it being forced upon me.
We'll definitely be becoming members of a church - Rod's schedule permitting - when we move. It'll be a great way to meet new people and to participate in the community.
We're not sure we consider ourselves Baptists (we're not sure what we are yet, if we even want to call ourselves something specific other than just having faith and belief), but the church is amazing and something I've been longing to check out for a while.
Thanks, K & B!
They also got us personalized Bibles for wedding presents that are really neat. I plan to have the whole thing read and learned ASAP.
Just a note: I don't resent my upbringing not going to church every Sunday my entire childhood, I actually like learning on my own and figuring out that I believe something or am interested in something without it being forced upon me.
We'll definitely be becoming members of a church - Rod's schedule permitting - when we move. It'll be a great way to meet new people and to participate in the community.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Gran
Today I found out my Gran (mom's mom) is very sick. She has cancer spots in her lungs and we only have a few more months with her, at most.
I cannot wait to get up to CT to be with her. She's one of my favorite people in the world. ♥
I cannot wait to get up to CT to be with her. She's one of my favorite people in the world. ♥
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Our First Home
WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!
Well, we close on the house we decided to buy in about a month. We're super excited.
It's 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, Colonial style.
We're sad to have to leave our friends here, but we'll have lots of visits, I'm sure! (:
Well, we close on the house we decided to buy in about a month. We're super excited.
It's 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, Colonial style.
We're sad to have to leave our friends here, but we'll have lots of visits, I'm sure! (:
Listing photo:
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Marriage Ceremony
I recently got a copy of our vows that Bonnie read during our ceremony, and I wanted to share them on here for those who weren't there that miraculous day! (:
MARRIAGE CEREMONY
Today, we have gathered together in a community of love and support to celebrate the marriage of Annie and Rod and to share in this joyous occasion. Theirs is an especially happy and enduring union, having begun in childhood and emerged again in recent years with deep love and affection for one another. This marriage is not only a commitment between lovers, but the joining together of two beloved friends. We are here today to bear witness to the uniting in marriage of these two special people who are deeply attuned to, and truly bonded to, one another. Annie and Rod want to proclaim their love for, and commitment to, each other before all of you, the people they love, and to recognize those who are not able to be here with us today.
In the spirit of sharing together in celebration, Dan, Rod's stepfather, has been asked to read Corinthians Chapter 1, Verse 13.
(1 Corinthians 13)
Annie and Rod, on this day of your marriage, you stand somewhat apart from all others. You stand within the circle of your profound love for one another, and this is how it should be. From this day onward, you will enter a special union in which you must strive to become closer together than ever before, cherish a mutual love and respect; accept each other unconditionally; give more deeply to each other than you ever dreamed possible; comfort each other in sickness and health; communicate with each other with trust and openness in times of hardship and happiness; and enjoy each other's company with laughter and delight.
Such love for one another will not only add depth and meaning to your relationship but should serve as a wellspring of energy, giving you the courage to face any adversity, and the strength to stand apart, to seek your unique destiny, to make your special contribution not only to each other, but to your family, to your friends, to your community and to the world. Our wish for you is that you love each other more deeply, give to each other more completely, and nurture each other so that you may both continue to grow and evolve as individuals and as a loving couple.
Being assured that you are aware of the meaning of this ceremony, I will now ask you to make your marriage vows:
Do you, Rod, take this woman, Annie, to be your lawful wedded wife, to love, honor and cherish her through sickness and health, through times of happiness and hardship, until death do you part? (Place the ring upon her finger and repeat after me.) "With this ring I thee wed and forever pledge my devotion."
Do you, Annie, take this man, Rod, to be your lawful wedded husband, to love, honor and cherish him through sickness and health, through times of happiness and harship, until death do you part? (Place the ring upon his finger and repeat after me.) "With this ring I thee wed and forever pledge my devotion."
From the earliest of times, the circle has been a symbol of completeness. An unbroken circle symbolizes a commitment of love that is never ending. As often as you look at these rings, you may be reminded of the commitment to one another which you make before your family and friends today.
Please join your hands together.
By the act of joining hands and exchanging rings, you take to yourselves the relationship of husband and wife and solemnly promise to love, honor, comfort, and cherish each other so long as you both shall live.
Therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Connecticut, I joyfully pronounce you husband and wife. Congratulations and good fortune to you both.
Please welcome Mr. and Mrs. C!
MARRIAGE CEREMONY
Today, we have gathered together in a community of love and support to celebrate the marriage of Annie and Rod and to share in this joyous occasion. Theirs is an especially happy and enduring union, having begun in childhood and emerged again in recent years with deep love and affection for one another. This marriage is not only a commitment between lovers, but the joining together of two beloved friends. We are here today to bear witness to the uniting in marriage of these two special people who are deeply attuned to, and truly bonded to, one another. Annie and Rod want to proclaim their love for, and commitment to, each other before all of you, the people they love, and to recognize those who are not able to be here with us today.
In the spirit of sharing together in celebration, Dan, Rod's stepfather, has been asked to read Corinthians Chapter 1, Verse 13.
(1 Corinthians 13)
Annie and Rod, on this day of your marriage, you stand somewhat apart from all others. You stand within the circle of your profound love for one another, and this is how it should be. From this day onward, you will enter a special union in which you must strive to become closer together than ever before, cherish a mutual love and respect; accept each other unconditionally; give more deeply to each other than you ever dreamed possible; comfort each other in sickness and health; communicate with each other with trust and openness in times of hardship and happiness; and enjoy each other's company with laughter and delight.
Such love for one another will not only add depth and meaning to your relationship but should serve as a wellspring of energy, giving you the courage to face any adversity, and the strength to stand apart, to seek your unique destiny, to make your special contribution not only to each other, but to your family, to your friends, to your community and to the world. Our wish for you is that you love each other more deeply, give to each other more completely, and nurture each other so that you may both continue to grow and evolve as individuals and as a loving couple.
Being assured that you are aware of the meaning of this ceremony, I will now ask you to make your marriage vows:
Do you, Rod, take this woman, Annie, to be your lawful wedded wife, to love, honor and cherish her through sickness and health, through times of happiness and hardship, until death do you part? (Place the ring upon her finger and repeat after me.) "With this ring I thee wed and forever pledge my devotion."
Do you, Annie, take this man, Rod, to be your lawful wedded husband, to love, honor and cherish him through sickness and health, through times of happiness and harship, until death do you part? (Place the ring upon his finger and repeat after me.) "With this ring I thee wed and forever pledge my devotion."
From the earliest of times, the circle has been a symbol of completeness. An unbroken circle symbolizes a commitment of love that is never ending. As often as you look at these rings, you may be reminded of the commitment to one another which you make before your family and friends today.
Please join your hands together.
By the act of joining hands and exchanging rings, you take to yourselves the relationship of husband and wife and solemnly promise to love, honor, comfort, and cherish each other so long as you both shall live.
Therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Connecticut, I joyfully pronounce you husband and wife. Congratulations and good fortune to you both.
Please welcome Mr. and Mrs. C!
Monday, August 11, 2008
Heidi's speech
Thought I'd share the speech Heidi made at our wedding, since she accidentally left the hard copy in Rod's pocket so I have it right here. (:
"Hi everyone, I'm Heidi and I just want to say a few words about two of my best friends, the bride and groom. Don't they look great?
Annie has been a great friend in so many ways. We've had a lot of fun together, and will continue to do so for many years to come. She has always been there for me when times were tough. Whether it be 3 in the morning or afternoon, she remained a loyal friend to me. She was there like no one else has been.
Fun times, ohhh yes, there were many. How can we forget our late nights watching neverending episodes of FRIENDS, or our endless list of nicknames. "Annerson" is still my all-time favorite and will always be my name for you, Annie, as I'm sure you will call me Heiderson. We have come to know each other so well that we have an understanding that goes way beyond words, almost like sisters.
Rod, you have come to be just as close and dear to me as Annie. You are truly one of a kind. You are so generous and understanding of everyone you meet. I will always remember our dinner nights and the fun we would have tormenting my husband, Sean. We may not have known each other long, but I feel as though you're family.
When Rod proposed, Annie didn't even really have to say much to make it clear that he was The One. All the signs were there...the special looks, the way she would light up when he was around or when she spoke of him, even before I physically met Rod after a long deployment. It all seemed like a fairytale. It felt right as it was happening, and it all feels right today, and I know that the life they have ahead of them will feel just as right.
You two...I can see the both of you succeeding in everything you do together, in this new chapter of your life. I know you have the foundation for a wonderful, eternal marriage made up of not just lovers, but lifelong friends.
I hope that your road in life is a smooth one. Good luck to the both of you in your new journey. Thank you for bringing so much joy into our lives and I hope there is plenty in yours for many years to come.
I'd like to offer a toast to Mr. and Mrs. C... May your life be truly blessed."
"Hi everyone, I'm Heidi and I just want to say a few words about two of my best friends, the bride and groom. Don't they look great?
Annie has been a great friend in so many ways. We've had a lot of fun together, and will continue to do so for many years to come. She has always been there for me when times were tough. Whether it be 3 in the morning or afternoon, she remained a loyal friend to me. She was there like no one else has been.
Fun times, ohhh yes, there were many. How can we forget our late nights watching neverending episodes of FRIENDS, or our endless list of nicknames. "Annerson" is still my all-time favorite and will always be my name for you, Annie, as I'm sure you will call me Heiderson. We have come to know each other so well that we have an understanding that goes way beyond words, almost like sisters.
Rod, you have come to be just as close and dear to me as Annie. You are truly one of a kind. You are so generous and understanding of everyone you meet. I will always remember our dinner nights and the fun we would have tormenting my husband, Sean. We may not have known each other long, but I feel as though you're family.
When Rod proposed, Annie didn't even really have to say much to make it clear that he was The One. All the signs were there...the special looks, the way she would light up when he was around or when she spoke of him, even before I physically met Rod after a long deployment. It all seemed like a fairytale. It felt right as it was happening, and it all feels right today, and I know that the life they have ahead of them will feel just as right.
You two...I can see the both of you succeeding in everything you do together, in this new chapter of your life. I know you have the foundation for a wonderful, eternal marriage made up of not just lovers, but lifelong friends.
I hope that your road in life is a smooth one. Good luck to the both of you in your new journey. Thank you for bringing so much joy into our lives and I hope there is plenty in yours for many years to come.
I'd like to offer a toast to Mr. and Mrs. C... May your life be truly blessed."
Sunday, August 10, 2008
The Wedding & Honeymoon
The wedding was so incredible... Roddy actually told me after our honeymoon that he wish we could have our wedding again exactly the way it was over and over. It was so much fun, so romantic, so special, and just... I don't even have the words to describe it well.
120 people, POURED (and I mean poured) rain up until the very last minute as we were leaving Renee's house to go to the ceremony site at Hammonasset, and then the sun came out! There was food, dancing, family, friends, tons of pictures... It was just the best day of our lives.
A HUGE thank you to everyone who participated and helped plan and was there to witness the first moments of our marriage!
(Click on the thumbnails to view larger.)
The honeymoon was a blast, also. We went to the Outer Banks and stayed in an old co-worker of mine's family cottage in Avon. It was peaceful, sunny, warm, cozy and fun!
120 people, POURED (and I mean poured) rain up until the very last minute as we were leaving Renee's house to go to the ceremony site at Hammonasset, and then the sun came out! There was food, dancing, family, friends, tons of pictures... It was just the best day of our lives.
A HUGE thank you to everyone who participated and helped plan and was there to witness the first moments of our marriage!
(Click on the thumbnails to view larger.)
The honeymoon was a blast, also. We went to the Outer Banks and stayed in an old co-worker of mine's family cottage in Avon. It was peaceful, sunny, warm, cozy and fun!
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