Baez-Vega Wedding Week

I can hardly believe our wedding is merely four days away! The past four months literally flew by! All the planning and preparing will soon be coming to an end and our wedding and reception will be upon us! It is very exciting! Okay, no more exclamation points. 

The planning really did come easily, thank God. I will pick up my dress this week and prepare the last minute details for Saturday. Everyone has asked if I'm excited & of course, I certainly am. Work has consumed me, though, and now that I have tomorrow off, I can let my excitement take over, focus on the wedding and what I need to do over the next few days. 

I'm completely exhausted from letting myself stay up too late every day and getting up early the last few weeks to run before work. I think I will sleep in for the next three days. 

Natalie is home for Thanksgiving and Sue is coming in, as well! We, along with Shannon and Marisel, will spend some girl time on Friday, both hanging out and finishing up very last minute details. I'm excited to spend some time with them! 

And now, off to bed. Much to be taken care of tomorrow.  

The Time Has Come! Marathon #10

This Sunday I, along with thousands of other runners, will run the New York City TCS marathon! It's the biggest and best in the world! It is my absolute favorite race! This will be my 10th marathon and I wanted to compete and complete it in NYC! 

I believe I have trained harder for this year's race than any in the past. Maybe not harder as opposed to better. I completed almost all of my training runs, which is great. I only missed two long runs, which isn't so bad. Thank God, overall, my health has been good. My rest, not as good as it should have been. 

Tonight, Angela, Paulo and I went to the Javitz Center to get our race bags, numbers and shop the kiosks at the marathon expo. It was a good time, although we spent maybe a bit too much money! That happens if you aren't careful. It's not an inexpensive place. 

This will be Paulo's first marathon! Good luck to him!

I'm excited for Sunday's run. I trained & now I just want to enjoy it! The weather won't be as warm as I'd like, but thankfully it won't be raining. 

Running is my passion and marathons are something I'm able to do, and thank the Lord, do well. Some people think it's crazy to run a marathon, or that I am crazy for doing it. It is my passion and I'm good at it. I'm not the best, but I work hard at my training. It is time consuming, puts a toll on my body, but it also strengthens my mind. I thoroughly enjoy the race itself. That's not something I can say about everything I do. I thank God that I can still run them, and pray I will be able to do so for many more years to come. 

I wish all the runners out there a wonderful and enjoyable run this Sunday! This is what we trained for! 

Bridal Shower Fun

Almost one week ago, my bridal party, family and friends surprised me with a shower. Sometimes I am still in shock that I am really getting married. Not that I don't want to -- I truly do. I think somewhere along the way I lost hope that it would ever happen and was content with that. Well, God is good and had His own plan and it is going to happen; in 50 days to be exact. I am getting married. And I'm excited!

Shannon and Sue, my matrons of honor, along with the rest of my brides maids, Harry's and my sisters, worked hard and sneakily to put the shower together. 

Shannon, who tricked me the day before, generously had it at her home and it was lovely. 

Sue, who also tricked me, came in from

Canada to celebrate with us, as well, and completely shocked me! I was truly surprised to see her. Not sure why I didn't connect 'shower' with seeing Sue, but I surely was elated to have seen her. 

So many people that I care about were able to attend, and I was truly happy. I saw friends whom I haven't seen an a while, and some whom I see every day. I was pleased to be amongst people I love. I missed those who were unable to make it for different reasons, but I know we all lead busy lives. 

Ang and me.

Kristi and me.

Marlene and me.

The bridal party.

Harry's sisters. 

My sisters and our mom. 

Some of my work family. 

Some more of my work family. 

I'm missing many photos, but I plan to get them so I can make an album. It was a very special day. I won't soon forget it. Everyone worked so hard to make it a special day for me. Everyone also lied to me in some small way. Ha! Not sure what I did to deserve such great friends and family, but God has blessed me. 

I can't thank Shannon enough for opening her home up to everyone and for all of her hard work. I can't thank Sue enough for taking a day off work (Shan, too) to fly in and help prepare for the shower. Same to Natalie and Tori for coming down from Syracuse to help with the decorations, balloons and photos, and to attend my dress fitting. Marisel did such a great job with the decorations ... I was truly taken aback and grateful. 

'It's MINT To Be.'

He popped the question.

And thanks to my mom, who knew about it all but said nothing. She knew it was a special and important time for me. She looked lovely and seemed to have had a wonderful time. Lastly, I thank my sweet fiancé, Harry. He did a great job of keeping a secret that I think he wanted to share with me, but he knew how much I wanted it to have been a surprise. And it was. I am truly blessed.

 

I haven't gotten to look through all the gifts we received, but I am hoping to do so this weekend. I want to work on the thank you cards because I truly am thankful for everyone's generosity. In 50 days ... I will be Mrs. Jessica Vega. Wow. 

Exhaustion

The start of a new school year is behind us now. One week ago, I began my 16th year of teaching. I forgot to take a back to school photo.

This year I am not a 'classroom teacher.' Instead, I will be working with the kindergarten teachers as the Academic Intervention Service teacher. My job will be to get the students who are a certain percentage below their level to their level, of as close to it as possible. 

So far it's been testing to see where they are and I, along with the other AIS teachers, have been covering an overflow Kindergarten class. Our school's kindergarten classes are full so we need to place them in another school. In the meantime, we are teaching them as best we can. 

Like everyone, I'm truly exhausted. Kindergarteners will suck the life out of you. Add to that I am running here, there, and everywhere to cover classes. That is part of my job description, and I do not mind it. It's nice to see a different group of students throughout the day.

Now, off to sleep. 5:40 will be here soon!

Daily Happenings

The past few days have been pretty busy and I'm more tired from being off than I am when I'm at work. Is that possible?

This weekend we spent time at a memorial for Harry's best friends, and at a going away family day for Nat. While both were very different, they were also filled with love, happiness, music and fun! I also managed to run / walk 10 miles on Sunday, but that wasn't very much fun, not as successful as hoped it would have been.

So far, this week has been busy with lunches, tutoring, shopping and such. Monday I met up with some of the girls from my second grade team. We met at Ridge Hill and went to Yard House for lunch. It was good catch up and hear how their summers have been going. After lunch I went to purchase some jewelry for the Bride's Maids at Charming Charlie's. They have beautiful things for very inexpensive prices. Although it's not top quality material, it will serve it's purpose. The small details of the wedding are proving to be costly and slightly stressful. We looked into a photographer, but haven't nailed anyone down yet. Little by little, though, it is all coming together. 

Natalie left for school yesterday. I'm a little sad about it, but my mom is very sad. I felt badly when I spoke with her today. She will miss my sister a lot. Hopefully, the weekend of October 3rd (when we have a mud run) will get here quickly!

Today I went to work to help one of the girls prepare her room as she will be out for a few weeks at the beginning of the school year. I wound up talking more than helping, but still it was nice to be there and among friends. I think tomorrow there will be another lunch with a different group of friends. 

Soon we'll have one more vacation and really, I am glad & very much looking forward to it. I am in need of a break from the stresses around me. Till then, it's dealing with the daily grind and doing so with a smile. 

Wonderful Weekend!

This past weekend was definitely fun filled and exhausting!

Friday, my soon to be Mother in Law came in from Puerto Rico and we finally met face to face (as opposed to over Face Time!). I was very happy to finally meet her. Harry misses her very much, this I know, so I was happy to see them reunite. 

We spent the day with her in New Jersey and I got to meet Harry's stepfather, and visit with his siblings and nephews. His momma made us lunch -- pasteles and white rice! Delish!!!! In between lunch and going to one of his sister's homes, we took a walk to the water. It was nice to spend some time talking and enjoying each other's company. We watched people fish and ride their bikes. It was very sweet to just be. 

Harry stayed in Jersey for the weekend  and I came back to New York. I had planned to hang out with Nat as we haven't done anything together just her and I this summer. 

Saturday she and I went to the city to check out a street fair. This one was much better than the one we had gone to the previous weekend.  After that we hopped on the subway once again to head down to SOHO. I wanted to look for jewelry for the wedding, but we were unsuccessful. The traveling was very draining. Although we did not find what I was looking for, we did find an empanada truck and shared one filled with yummy chicken! Lol. Upon arriving home I made us dinner and she hung out. She did try to help, but it was okay. I was super tired from the previous day's long drives and the long walks through the city, I think I just wanted to do it all on my own. The next morning I had a race and wanted to get to bed early, but that didn't happen exactly as I had hoped. 

The following day was another busy one! 

First, as mentioned above, I had my race -- 5 miles -- plus two more. Marathon training is in full effect and exhausting. However, I'm so thankful to God that I'm back at it post surgery. 

Post race smile!

After I returned from the race and Nat from the gym, we attended my friend, Marlene's son's christening. It was a very sweet event. Although the priest spoke some excellent words of advice, the babies couldn't wait very long for him to finish. Haha! It was a lovely ceremony and I pray God blesses Hunter and his parents, Marlene and John, every day. 

Once the christening ended and we snapped a few photos, we attended the luncheon at Chat-19 and it was simply delicious. We got to catch up with friends, have enjoyable conversation and just enjoy a relaxed afternoon. 

Nat and I even got to take a few photos! 

She's so beautiful and grown up! I can hardly believe it sometimes. Love this kid very, very much! 

All in all it was a successful weekend. Nat went home yesterday after the gym, a walk, and a bad egg and ham sandwhich experience, and Harry returned from Jersey. Poor Nat. She was so sick from having eggs. 

She is leaving to head back to school in a week and we hope to have a last supper (till Thanksgiving) with her on Sunday. I will miss her, but am glad we were able to spend a little bit of time together before she goes. 

While I am still recovering from the weekend, I am thankful for every moment that came with it!

Slowing Down...

August 5th and I finally feel as though most of our wedding plans have been taken care of, thank God! I've spoken to my mom more than ever about things that have had me stressed out & she's been such a help! We actually celebrated her birthday this past weekend! 

Isn't she beautiful??? 

She's been a big help! So thankful for her!!

All in all, I wanted to have as much of the planning completed before going back to work and with a little help from God, friends and family, that's exactly how things have gone. I can say I'm excited, not too stressed out, and looking forward to whatever the next step is. 

Loving our smiles ... 

The summer is winding down with just a few games of kickball left, one more vacation to go and then work will begin. 

Tina came to last week's game and I really was thrilled to spend some time with her. She's a good soul.

Until work begins, I plan to spend some time w my love, my family and maybe some friends, if we decide to plan anything. I hope to relax as much as possible. I do have much to do and organize around this apartment, but I will get to it in due time. For now, I would like to enjoy each moment as it comes. 

Wedding Planning

I am quickly realizing what every bride before me knew--wedding planning is not easy, nor is it stress free. However, it is exciting and it does not need to be stressful. 

Having attended many weddings and being a bridesmaid a few times, I have a good idea of what I would and would not like for my own wedding. Something small and classy, but lots of fun, as well.  Sadly, though, weddings are expensive! Goodness, makes me wish I had been saving money forever for this exciting upcoming event. Everything will work out and get done. I'm not too nervous. 

This weekend was filled with dress shopping with my sisters and mother, and sending emails to venues asking for information. I hope and pray this week we can get one of the dates we have in mind nailed down at a venue we both love and get the rest of the planning underway. 

My sisters managed to each choose a dress and I love their choices. They compliment their styles and body types very nicely. Next, Harry's sisters will do the same, and then the matron of honor. It's all very exciting! 

Really, it has not been all that stressful, I suppose. It's all the little details that I either forget or don't know about that add up financially and send a little stress my way. However, with the help of The Lord, my fiancé, my family and friends, I am sure things will work out very well. 

First Week Home

It has been a wonderful, yet busy week back home from vacation. I was supposed to have tutored two mornings, but that was cancelled, so I did some wedding planning before my afternoon tutoring sessions. Great time management skills right there. :) I asked both sets of our sisters to be part of the bridal party and they said yes. Looking back now, I wish I had asked in some cutesy way as opposed to text messages, but it was okay. They all happily accepted. I am still figuring out of I can have friends in the bridal party, as well. We always said we didn't want something too big, but having a few friends as part of my party is important to me. It will all come together one way or another,  I am sure.  

On Monday, I went to David's Bridal to shop around. I thought I found a dress I liked, but realized I didn't love. It was simple, and I was settling because I didn't want to spend a lot of time shopping for a dress. I decided to call a coworker who works at a bridal boutique and asked if I could stop by before my Tuesday afternoon tutoring session. That visit was a success! The workers there were very helpful and brought me dresses I never would have chosen on my own. I found one I really liked and decided to go back yesterday with my mom, Nat (as Marisel was working) and Shannon to confirm my choice. When they saw the dress on me, I could hear the approval in their reactions.  We all said 'Yes to the Dress!' It was very exciting!! It's a slightly different dress than I imagined I would want but truthfully, I do love it! I won't see it again for 4-5 months, though. I better watch my food intake over the summer and then some! I also spent time making calls to visit some possible venues and made appointments for today and next week. Thankfully, Shannon will join me today and Harry will do the same next time. 

The week is over now and we have dinner plans at my assistant principal's house. That is always interesting and fun! I'm looking forward to it and this weekend. Tomorrow I am going to David's Bridal with my sisters and mother. After that there should be some down time ... Till next week!

Angela and Giovanni's Wedding

This past Saturday, my co-worker and friend, Angela, was married to her long time love, Gio. They are a sweet, young couple who had a beautiful wedding ceremony and reception. I am certain that their life together will be just as beautiful!

The bride looked amazing! She was beaming and that was very special to see. 

My co-workers and I had a ball dancing, laughing and catching up at the wedding. The energy was contagious. 

Harry and I took some celebratory photos of our own, as well!

Today she and Gio left for their honeymoon to Antigua.  I'm sure they have had a wonderful first day there! Cheers & blessings to their new life as one! 

Justyn's Middle School Graduation

My little, big nephew graduated from middle school last month. It's hard to believe he will be venturing into high school at the end of the summer. I remember when he was just a baby ... A baby who had a terrible case of colic. Over the past 14 years, he has outgrown the colic, thankfully, and has become a wonderful older brother to Ayden, yet still remains a handful to my sister. ;) My family and I are extremely proud of him for this first of many graduations to come! I love him very much and wish him well in high school! Work hard and good things will come your way!

The graduate, my sister and Ayden.

And here is Lindsay, too!

The aunts! With Jun's son, Tomo!

Justin with his second or third mother, Jun, & her newborn, Tomo. Ayden seemed to slip in there, as well. 

Justyn's middle school crew.

Catch Up!

The last time I updated my blog I was healing (and I still am) and heading back to work. Now I am on summer vacation, and I am working on getting certain areas of my life in order. 

The past three months have been busy! The remainder of the school year flew, thankfully, not without a few stressful moments here and there, but I was certainly glad for summer vacation to begin. 

Next year I am supposed to be working in a new position in my school. I will be an Academic Intervention Service teacher for Kindergarten students. In this position I will no longer have my own classroom, but will service the lower percent of the students and work on getting their academics up to grade level. This will be my first educational experience with kindergarten students. So far, my work with this age group has only been at camp. I am definitely looking forward to this experience and challenge! I will also be working with a new group of teachers. While this makes me as slightly nervous, I know them all and they are lovely. I am sure my transition will go smoothly. 

Right after school finished, Harry and I took a trip to Ocean City, MD. If I say we had a ball, it was better than that. Firstly, the 5 got drive wasn't terrible, thankfully. Our days there were filled with morning workouts followed by breakfast on the  hotel's front porch. Afternoons were spent on the beach. Sometimes we'd get happy hour drinks (him) and wings, and play ping pong. Every evening was different. We'd have dinner either on the boardwalk or venture out someone else, followed up with mini-golf, a trip to Walmart or an evening boat ride, and each evening ended with a walk on the boardwalk.

This was the day we arrived!

Days on the beach ...

We bought a beach umbrella!

We went on an evening boat ride. The houses along the way were amazing!

We played miniature golf and ping pong! I lost! 

Apparently, I could own a fudge house! 

He waited for this funnel cake! I enjoyed a few bites.

We also got engaged. I was pleasantly surprised and very excited! We are elated and thankful to God for bringing us back together. 

We haven't announced it on any social media yet, but I wanted to write about it here. 

Last night celebration!

Our last day was bittersweet. It was time to leave, but our stay was so pleasant and our memories so happy that we didn't want it to end.

Till the next time, Ocean City, MD...