Here you can see the reason I wasn't able to get outdoors this weekend.
Today was The Aisle Luxury Wedding Show at Geneva National Resort in Lake Geneva, and Christi's mom's bridal shop - Christy's Bridal in Burlington - put on the fashion show. Dave and I got to play dress up and be two of the models.
Yesterday we got up and shoveled snow, then it was off to Lake Geneva for the 3-hour rehearsal, and today we were up at 6:30 a.m. to be to a salon in Lake Geneva by 8:30. The fashion show wasn't until 2:00, so it was quite a long day.
Just like with a wedding, a lot of time and planning went into the show, but then once it began, it seemed like it was over in an instant. We'd model our dress and smile to the crowd, and then once we were in back we had to rush around like crazy people to get the next dress, veil and jewelry on.
I thought my hair was just God-awful, and my makeup was hooker makeup, but hey! I was just a model so I had no say. The dresses were fabulous, though, and so fun to wear. Dave, who would have much rather been at home relaxing today, was a good sport like always, and he looked terribly handsome in his tux.
Geneva National was absolutely beautiful, both inside and on the grounds. I had never been there before. Dave and I found it very funny that once inside the gates, the speed limit was 26 miles per hour. Can anyone explain that?
Anyway, tonight we're finally getting a few hours to relax before it's back to work tomorrow. I'm really tired!
On Friday, my bosses took us all to Sundara Spa in the Wisconsin Dells (a couple coworkers live in Minnesota, so that was a good halfway point), which was our gift for the holidays. The spa was so beautiful and tranquil and relaxing, I loved every minute of it. I certainly can't afford the spa, so it was quite a treat!
I got a 50-minute aromatherapy massage, which was one of the best things I've ever experienced, and then I got a spa pedicure. We all ate lunch together and in between treatments, we enjoyed the "purifying bath ritual," and we spent time in the indoor and outdoor hot tubs and even the heated outdoor pool.
As I sat in the "quiet room" before my pedicure, I looked around at all the people and wondered how many of them made trips to the spa a regular event. I think it's a wonderful thing to do for yourself if you can afford it, but I hope that people always appreciate it, no matter how rich or used to it they are. Here we all were, getting our backs and feet rubbed, sitting in a hot tub and sipping our smoothies, listening to quiet music and "renewing our spirits," while in so many other parts of the world, people are hungry, homeless, sick, struggling to get by, at war far away from home ... I vowed then and there that no matter how well off I become and no matter how many times I receive such pampering, I will always appreciate living somewhere that such a place even exists. It was just an incredible day.
Two of my coworkers and I left the spa around 4:00 p.m. - and that's when our fabulous, relaxing day came to a screeching halt.
The snow had just started to fall and the roads were already pretty slick. Traffic was slow-going, and it got progressively worse. After about an hour and a half, we were only just past Madison. We had already seen about 20 cars in the ditch, and then our boss called to tell us about a pile-up just ahead that had traffic stopped. My coworker who was driving was talking to her and then suddenly I saw the car start to go off the road. Before I even had a chance to say anything, we were in the ditch.
After numerous attempts by Julie and me to push the car out - getting completely wet and tired in the process - we gave up and called for a tow truck. Long story short, with all of the accidents, it took over an hour and a half before anyone came to get us. The rest of the ride was terribly slow, and it was almost 10:00 before I got home. Six hours from the time we left the spa! Let me tell you, the peaceful mood I left in was nowhere to be found by the time I got home.
Then I realized I didn't have my cell phone. I got all the way home, couldn't find it anywhere, so Dave and I drove all the way back to my work (1/2 hour each way) at 11:00 to see if I dropped it in the snow somewhere. Sure enough, it was at the end of the driveway where I'd gotten out of Jess's car - and it had been run over. A few times, probably. So now I have to buy a new one. With what money, I don't know. But it's sure amazing how out of touch I've felt all weekend.
So it was an interesting couple of days, that's for sure. I don't feel like I've had enough time to just BE (though I KNOW I can't complain since I did get to spend all of Friday at a spa!), but I know that not all weekends can be like that! Next weekend I have nothing planned, and I'm already looking forward to it. I'll definitely get outside then! Either to do some sledding or skiing or ... something. We'll see!
A few more pics from today after the click. Have a good week!
What fun to be models!
Can't explain the 26 miles per hour but then again why dooes 25 make so much sense?
here via micheles today.
Posted by: Mrs. Fun | January 22, 2006 at 08:08 PM
Bummer about the cell phone. I'd love to play dress up like that. I have no desire to get married, but I want to wear the gown.
Here via Michele's!
Posted by: Andrea. | January 22, 2006 at 08:08 PM
That is so cool that you got to model!
Here via Michele.
Posted by: amanda | January 22, 2006 at 08:09 PM
It sounds like you could use that Spa day today and it would really be nice if you could just walk to it! (lol)...BIG weekend, indeed!
Here from Michele tonight!
Posted by: OldOldLady Of The Hills | January 22, 2006 at 08:20 PM
On January 28 1947 the worst snowstorm ever shut down Milwaukee for almost a week. The Army was called in to help clear the snow and even though school was closed, there was no where to go as the snow was too deep to play. Sounds like you dodged the bullet by one week:>.
Posted by: David Ernst | January 23, 2006 at 09:03 AM
Are you wearing a tiara at your wedding?
Posted by: Andre | January 23, 2006 at 09:52 AM
I'm so jealous that you got to play dress up! Although, you were always so good at it when we were kids, so I know you made a great model.
Sorry to hear about the spa day troubles - and the cell phone mishap. Your day did a complete 180! I agree with one of the previous comments - go to a spa within walking distance next time!
Posted by: Amanda H | January 23, 2006 at 10:36 AM
Why on earth would Dave agree to be a model for that show? He must be some kind of fancy boy.
Posted by: Alba | January 23, 2006 at 11:05 AM
Andre - heck no, I'm not wearing a tiara for my wedding. I'm a bride, not the prom queen. And my hair will be all up, not half up so I look like a puppy dog. Whatever. I was a model.
And Alba, to answer your question:
Dave was in the show because:
1. I asked him nicely if he'd do it and he loves me so he agreed
2. Christi is our friend and we were doing her a favor
3. He's secure in his masculinity
As you can see, he looked damn fine modeling those tuxes. Somebody's gotta show off how good they can look - ya need good looking guys for something like that.
You call it fancy, the rest of us call it sexy as hell.
Posted by: Erin | January 23, 2006 at 11:50 AM
He agreed to star in a bridal fashion show, but not to go ice skating? Even hockey players skate. That's F-A-N-C-Y! :)
Posted by: Alba | January 23, 2006 at 02:18 PM
Tiaras are not necessarily a Prom Queen thing. We have a number of brides come into the store and look gorgeous in their Tiaras. Not Prom queeny at all. Don't be so critical ;)
Thanks again for Sunday. I'm sorry you hated your hair and makeup yet again.
Posted by: Christi | January 23, 2006 at 02:32 PM
Alright, Alba, you've got him there. I'll never understand why he refuses to ice skate, but since he says yes to so many other things (like bridal fashion shows), I have to let it slide.
haha This whole conversation about Dave is going on and he's at work missing it all. I'm betting he'll add his two cents on the fashion show experience once he gets home tonight.
And Christi, you're welcome, I had a lot of fun. I wish I could wear wedding dresses every day! I'm sorry I'm a bag about my hair and makeup but it's not MY fault the girl made it look ugly. Even you have to admit it was BAD! But hey, I smiled through it and still did a good job, right?
You rocked as the emcee! =)
Posted by: Erin | January 23, 2006 at 02:37 PM
I think you have to have a little bit of princess in your personality to pull off a tiara. I had to give Erin some crap, because even the tiny bit I know about her from this blog screams simple-but-classy wedding outfit.
Posted by: Andre | January 23, 2006 at 02:52 PM
Thanks Andre, I'll take that as a compliment. You're right on the classy part! That's not to say that I don't have a bit of princess in me ... I just don't do tiaras.
Guess you'll have to continue to be a faithful reader through October and then you can see pictures from when I really am a bride!
By the way, I appreciate the readership and comments from you all even when I don't post about the outdoors!
Posted by: Erin | January 23, 2006 at 06:50 PM
Just my opinion - tiaras are not just for prom queens, but they are DEFINITELY not for Erin. I just can't even imagine it!
And I say kudos to Dave - he looked great! It's wonderful to have someone so willing to do anything with you!
Posted by: Amanda | January 24, 2006 at 10:27 AM
Since when did wearing a tuxedo become a negative thing? And Dave is getting crap for not going ice skating but says yes to being a model? He's the biggest tropper I've ever MET! He's thrown himself out of an airplane, jumped into the freezing Lake Michigan on January 1, kyaked down the river..and yes, modeled for me in my fashion show.
If that's a "Fancy Boy" then order me one up too.
I say kudos to him! Way to show the closed minded men out there that the qualities of a great guy exist in your adaptability to most situations.
And for the record Erin, I was very upset with Fusion's work on you girls. I thought they could have done a MUCH better job. But I guess I know now for next year. I'm going to have Trend Setters do everything next year. They did a kick ass job on the bridesmaids!
Cute pics. I can't wait to see the entire show. With all the chaos, and the music changes and what not, and the MCing I didn't have a chance to watch it. Russ (the DJ) said he taped it for me though so he'll be sending me a copy. We'll watch it over wine sometime soon =) And yes, Dave too!
Posted by: Christi | January 24, 2006 at 10:38 AM
Where on Earth do you work where they take you to a spa for Christmas!? And, are they hiring?? Ha. Just passing through, and dropped my jaw when I read your post. Good times!
Posted by: Krista | January 24, 2006 at 01:25 PM
Great info, thanks a lot!!! I wish I will have such a writing skills.
all best to you guys!!!!
Posted by: PODO | May 19, 2007 at 12:13 PM