My house is throwing a temper tantrum.

Hello, New World!

I come to you this morning with a fresh cup of Seattle's REAL best coffee- thanks for the Valhalla, Tino!!!- and a brain full of... Theories. 

So Heffe and I have been doing somewedding  planning lately, not sure if you knew that. ;) We only have 11 days to go, and anyone who has been through wedding planning can vouch for us when we say our to do list, while no "big" tasks are looming anymore, looks like a 5 year old's scribbles. Cross one thing off, but add 2 more. We'll get there! This is not what my rant is about. 

This rant is about my house and it's pieces crying out to us like a petulant child. 

Apparently, we're not giving enough attention to the 703, what with us cleaning it only once a week and stopping to enjoy it's coziness maybe once every other week. We have dedicated our dining room to wedding things instead of restoring it to it's supper club glory. We've been plugging in new devices and yelling at it's thick walls for blocking netflix. We've left streaks of sample paint colors on its walls, which have served more as conversational art pieces than project kick starters. 

703 got a LOT of much deserved attention from Heffe's mama over the weekend, but I'm pretty sure it's now in full revolt since our attention has not been on finishing the tasks she began for us... It's been on other things... Like wedding planning. 

Here's the evidence. 

1. Our washer broke 2 weeks ago on the eve of our departure for a weekend trip. Our washer said, "You've used me like you always use me... I can't take this love me and leave me. I'll show you." And so, it smoked and smoked and made our kitchen smell bad, and we ultimately had to buy a new washer. 

2. A yellowish line of death has appeared on our kitchen ceiling. Right above it is our master bath's shower stall of doom. We knew it needed serious TLC when we moved in. It's the eyesore of the master bedroom. We thought it was purely asthetically challenged, though. And we continued to use it. Wrong-o!!! So, it said, "I can tell these amateurs have no clue how I work, so I'll make the problem big enough that they have to call in a professional who will know exactly how to treat me." We had to file a claim with our home warranty company (thank God it hadn't expired and we renew in 11 days), but found out the secondary damage to floorboards and walls and ceilings won't be covered. Well played, shower stall. Well played. 

3. Our lawn mower is producing a horrific amount of smoke and burning oil. It said, "This girl is using me for a work out, and bragging to her family about how fast she can mow the entire yard. I am getting tired of her taking all the glory. And by the way, these fools don't even know how to take care of me! Where's my cool drink of water to flush out my blade and underparts after we've sped through the lawn at the speed of light?" (who knew you had to clean a lawn mower, and are supposed to hook up your hose to it when it is running!? Anyone else see that as counterintuitive!!?) I tried to channel my inner mechanic, and Heffe and I have plans to work on it for the third night in a row, but the reality of the matter is, I might as well call a service company and turn out my pockets. 

House-3, Janissa-broke. 

So to all you impending visitors coming soon for wedding festivities... Please rejoice in the glory of 703... And I guess give it a hug. Apparently, it needs it. 

Until next time, I'll be trying to smooth things over in my house-homeowner relationship...

I need a cocktail, New World. 

Cheers. ;)

Danger Zone- Waiting at Verizon.

Hello, New World!

Heffe and I are sitting here waiting for forever at Verizon. It's one of my least favorite tasks. It's down there with the Post Office and the BMV- I know the good or service I want to obtain, but no body seems to be able to translate my need into their language/repertoire of capabilities. Let me clarify. MY local Verizon store is terrible. I know there are plenty of successful stores with super competent and friendly people... But that's just not my store. 

In situations like these, I take on a not so pleasant persona. Since we were waiting for what started out as 25-30 minutes but ended up being the better part of 60 minutes, I chose to take my frustrations out on Pinterest rather than on Heffe. 

Needless to say, New World... Pinterest did NOT disappoint. Hop on, take a ride with me on my waiting line emotional roller coaster...

Side note before I start: I do not even ALLOW myself to look at the wedding section anymore. Too close to go-time, and I don't have a million elves working in my basement on a perfectly worded and witty quote for a framed sign that means, "Seating Chart" made out of vintage, chalkboard-painted, crystal-encrusted, burlap mason jars.

I digress. 

I literally laughed out loud at this one. 

Because organization is a priority... In the summer months ;)

Why didn't I think of that!?

#amyfialahendersonoriginalpin

Outdoor pillows are also a priority for Janissa... Could I make these? Probably if I wasn't spending all my time at Verizon. 

Above pillows would look so good here! Less grass for us to mow, too!

Yes, organization is key... In the summer months ;)

In all senses, the antithesis of an English Trifle. Pun intended. "First, there's a layer of jam, then a layer of lady fingers, which I made from scratch, then beef sautéed with peas and onions, more lady fingers, and I top it all off with some whipped cream!" I'll just stick with boiling my cup of salt. 

This is more my style. Nomnomnomnom

This pin was found about 10 minutes before it was our turn. Did I have time to run to Starbucks!? Only in my wildest dreams. 

This was found about 3 seconds before it was our turn/I was ready to flip the phone case display and roar like a cave woman. 

How can I get this in my belly RIGHT NOW to use my gas to teach Verizon to never make me wait this long. :) 

21 DAYS TIL DISNEY!!!!

And I leave you, New World, with the slap happiest...

#imightusethisatschool #thanksdaddy

Until next time, Verizon... 

New World, don't worry, you won't have to look for me on the news for holding up my local Verizon store. Janissa made it out safe and sound... And had to be let out of the caged doors since they had closed the store in the time it took to get them to get our things in order. 

Aaaaaah.

Until next time, 

This is me, drinking wine, rewarding myself for a conquering a rough evening, bein me. 

Cheers. :) 

Confessions of a Bride: #ohwaitthatsme

Hello, New World!

The past 2 weekends were an OVERWHELMING reminder of how many amazing people I have in my life.

Not to get on a soap box (but isn't that what this blog is for?!)... but if there's one thing I've learned in my later 20's (especially during wedding planning) that I'd like to go back in time and share with early-20's Sciato.. it's to cut out negativity. That means bad habits, negative people, not putting myself in potentially emotionally harmful or ridiculous situations... Cut out the negativity. While I've figuratively cleansed my aura... I cannot stress enough how blessed I am to have the most supportive, loving, and absolutely inspiring people in my life, and I love you all so much more than you could ever understand. :)

 Last weekend, my sisters-in-law Amanda and Chris hosted a Bridal Shower for me in Cincy with the Sciato/Cappa families and Cincy friends. And this weekend, my bridesmaids and future-but-might-as-well-be-officially-sisters-in-law hosted a Bridal Shower for me in C-bus with the Kent/Radeff families and C-bus friends... followed by the best, most fun, most memorable night I've had... EVER.... my Bachelorette Party. :) 

Instead of chronicle the details of the past 2 weekends, I'd rather give you a play-by-play of my inner monologue. We'll start with the before thoughts, and will progress to during wonderings, and after shocks.

Buckle up, New World.

Who will be here?
Will it be awkward since I might not have seen these people in a while and I have to be fair and give equal time to all my guests?
Will I be overdressed?
Will I be under-dressed?
Will my heels give me blisters that I'll have to smile through at the end of today?
Why am I already sweating?
Does this jewelry match?
Can you see through my dress?

How's my hair?

Does my sweat leave lines through my make up?

What did we even register for?

Oh my gosh, did I forget to invite anyone?!

Holy moley, are all these gifts going to fit in my car?

Is it greedy that I just asked that?

What time is it?

Where's the champagne?

Did I lose my brain and screw up the date?

Do I smell? I've been sweating for an hour.

Will my hair look good in pics or will I look like an electrocution incident?

Who will judge me if I have a 3rd cocktail?

Why is everyone staring at me?

Why do you want to see what I got? You all saw our registry. It's probs something off of that or something super sentimental that I should probably only open at home so I can cry to myself at how lucky we are.

Maybe I'm sweating from anxiety of all these staring faces... do I need to ask my doc for xanax for our wedding?!

Can I have some cheetos?

Where's Heffe?

Is the AC broken up in here?! Why is no one else sweating?? 

Oh my gosh, people are so generous!!

Where should I put all my new gadgets? 

Am I patient and skilled enough to use my new gadgets without burning down our house?

Seriously, should I get my arm pits botoxed? I will never again judge my brothers for keeping a sweat hanky handy.

I need to fart.

I need more food.... like a cheeseburger.

I really want to break these bows... but I know how much baby talk there will be on July 13 (the day AFTER our wedding)... one step at a time, crazy people!

I want to take all these balloons and carry them around in my car forever. 

I want to go shopping at the pink and gray store so I can buy all these decorations for our house, and Heffe will love it.

Oh my gosh, everyone knows how much we love pizza products and wine. I'm not even ashamed!

Is it socially appropriate to get drunk at your own bridal shower?

Seriously, where's Heffe? Him needs to share these moments with me!

Oh my gosh, seriously, people, you are too kind and thoughtful. We aren't that great! Well, Heffe is ;)

I will cry about this later- such sweet gifts.

My family is so amazing.

I am so thankful that all these people are here with me! It's a long day of being social when it's a perfectly good pool/day drinking day!

My in-laws are better than your in-laws. Hands. Down.

I am the luckiest girl in the world.

Aww, Heffe loves me. :) Everyday. :)

We're getting married.

I am the bride!!

I'm going to have a husband in 35 days.

I'm going to be someone's wife in 35 days.

I get to spend forever with my other half. 

Awww, Heffe. :)

As we finish off this weekend with more wedding planning and probably a little booze... I don't think I could feel any happier or more loved... without exploding. :) 

Thank you, to all who were involved in the planning and celebrating...We are beyond blessed. :)

Until next time, New World.

Cheers to YOU. :)

2fer Tuesday

Hello New World!

It's been awhile. Let's talk. 

1fer: I got the NICEST email from a parent of a former student today. I won't lie, her son was one of my most challenging kiddos...ever..but my heart broke for him and my might-be-right-might-be-wrong way of trying to reach him. Everyday. Anyway, she told me, in underlined and bold fashion, that everything I set up for him last year helped him to grow and helped his team this year to better educate and develop him. She went on to say the countless hours, daily notes, emails, phone calls, positive behavior reinforcements, and awkward conversations regarding this special little guy changed his life for the better. Bottom line of her email- all the things I did on a daily basis were worth it. I needed to hear that. It was so reassuring and heartfelt. I sincerely hope that he is in my class next year, so I can continue him on his path to success! 

I mean, don't we all need to hear what we do day-in and day-out is worth it? I know I for SURE did. 

2fer: I have 3 days left of school for the year. What. The. Hell. How did that happen?! This year has been one of the hardest and seemingly never-ending... But now as it comes to a close, I find myself much like I have felt for the majority of this school year: literally, physically, emotionally, completely unprepared. Here are the top 5 things I have learned along the way:

1. To Do lists, regardless of how many things are crossed out, are necessary for an OCD, anxious, work-life-happy hour balancer.

2. There will always be a way out. Whether it be through the art of debate and persuasion and sticking up for what you know is right... or just through the ageless face of LeVar Burton, there is always a way out. 

3. No matter how much you time you spend planning or preparing or reviewing or assessing, someone will always end up pissing their pants and forgetting who they are for a half hour. 

4. On the flip side of #3, See 1fer above. My actions make a difference. 

5. With a full mug of coffee and a smiling attitude I can do anything. 

What have you learned along your way? What was the reassurance you needed to hear? 

Until next time, 

This is me, 

bein' Miss Casciato (professionally speaking, for the last 3 days ever)...!!!!!! EEEEEEEEE!

Cheers. :)

6+ on Sunday!

Hello, New World!

I come to you with a fun-filled weekend to share!

Mama and Papa Sciato came to visit this weekend. I don't know what we'd do without them!!!! They originally came to help us strip our deck so we can re-stain it, but that quickly turned into other tasks!!

1. While Heffe and Papa C. power-washed away the old stain on our deck, Mama C. helped me get a head start on wedding favors!!! Sorry, New World, no sneak peaks here ;)

2. Here is an actual close up of what Heffe and Papa C. were able to conquer:  

Clean and ready for fresh flowers!!!!

3. Mama C. helped me turn our inherited patio set from green/mismatched, into this:

Our neighbor even commented on it!!! Love that we could fool someone into thinking it's new with just a little spray paint!

4. The spray paint also came in handy for these once-sea-foam-green chairs...

So much better!! Aaah #cozyfrontporch #ilooksuperprettyafter10hoursofhouseprojects

5. Oh yeah, since we borrowed the power-washer, we could clean out our garage! SO gross from nasty Cbus winter!!

VAST improvement!!!

6. While I was spray painting my forearms into oblivion, Heffe was finishing up mulching our yard! 30 bags total = Heffe is a BEAST! 

Front...

Close up front:) pretty green and purple somethings;)

Side yard- side yard side note- Heffe CHOPPED down those 3 trees in the middle/background!!! Who is he?! Hidden talents galore!:)

7.! Papa C. helped us fix our grill (Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Kent!!!) and gave us some tips for installing the propane tank. Then, once we discovered we had created fire and did not explode our neighborhood, we were able to food prep and cook the dinner nomnoms as shown...

I'm hungry again!!!!

Summer is gonna be GOOD New World, it's gonna be good. :) 

Until next time, this is me, bein me. 

Enjoying fake summer for a few more weeks;)

Cheers :)

Will-Power Wednesday

Okay, New World, it's been awhile. Here is a little anecdote for just another manic Wednesday. 

So Heffe and I have passed the 3 month mark til our big day!!! HOLY S*#%!!! Most of our big details are set and ready... Now comes the details. We are trying to keep level heads, stay organized, and be realistic. It's working for the most part ;) 

Well... Less than 90 days to our wedding means less than 90 days until our glorious honeymoon!!!!! Disney and Mexico with the love of my life?! What more could a Sciato ask for! :) 

Here's what Sciato can ask for. A honeymoon ready bod. Self-control is not really something at which Janissa excels... Especially when it involves food and booze. Since the marathon 6 months ago, I've definitely fallen off the wagon, had about a million glasses of wine (glasses, bottles, dozens, hundreds, whatever stop judging!), and disgustingly over-done it with Bdubs and Marcella's. 

Time to get serious! Please understand, New World, I am not trying to look anorexic for our wedding- at this point, I'm praying to GOD that my dress just fits! I bought it when I was training...aka running 25-30+ miles a week...aka about 25-30 more miles a week than I've done consistently in about 6 months. Whoops. 

Heffe and I have cut out fun, I mean certain indulgences, until after the wedding: fast food, breakfast out during the week, Bdubs altogether, and weekday drinking, plus, we are committing to at least 4 days of good workouts. It's been a rough few weeks. Eating our grilled chicken salads and only baked chips and only 100 calorie desserts and working out when we're tired and trying not to feel too sorry for ourselves. #firstworldweddingprobs

Enter Will-power Wednesday. 

Heffe is at class. I -wanted- to go to DSW after I left I work. I played out the whole night in my head. I could go to DSW, get new flats that I NEED;), then hit up Mickey d's for a number 10, large sized, and a COKE. No, Sciato, bad Sciato! You can go to Jason's after DSW and get a gluten free sandwich and veggie soup. And maybe a fountain coke. -If- you only eat half the sandwich. 

Here's what really happened. 

Sciato went to the gym, ran 4 miles (instead of the 2 I intended to run), and then COOKED tilapia over salad with sautéed veggies and a touch of cheese. I might or might not have had 2 baby scoops of ice cream after, but who counts dessert anyway;)

Even with the cheese and ice cream, an infinitely better choice than Mickey D's. Except I do regret not going to DSW. There's always room for that. :)

Do you struggle with self-discipline during the week? How do you deal with fatigue and stress? How do you deal with self-pity?! Gotta help me out, New World, it's gonna be a long 3 months!!!

Until next time... 

Keep cheerin me on...

Cheers. :)

#PNW

Hello, New World!

It's been awhile. :) But, I've been busy!!

I just returned yesterday from a 4-day trip to see one of my bestest and dearest friends- Cassie... aka Tino, Tins, Lil Kid, and my fave, Captain Cupcake. 

She's basically a rock star. We have been besties since 2nd grade. She is my sista from another mista. Her family is my family. Mi casa e' su casa. Get the picture? :) She's my partner in crime.

Here's a picture memoir of my decadent, indulgent, beautiful weekend with Tino in the #PacificNorthWest. 

Day 1:

Cassie rented a hotel room for us Downtown Seattle. We dropped our stuff, toasted a glass of champagne, and headed out to start our merriment!

Cassie took me to iconic Pike Place- we just missed some fish tossing, but we went through the market, got the best hot apple cider and some beautiful flowers, and did some more touristy things- like visit the original Starbucks. :)

I had to explain to Tino why I was snapping this pic- If I were feeling better, I woulda snagged this for Cincy! ;) #porkopolis

#mypikeplace First Starbucks EVA! Yahoo!

After the Pike Place Market, we walked back up to the downtown area. We stopped for cocktails, and then made our way back to the hotel to nap and get dolled up for dinner!

Cassie found this restaurant called The Old Sage. We had 2 orders (4 total loaves! haha!) of puff bread, asparagus, short ribs, pork belly, and some unidentifiable but delicious green dippy thing. And wine. DECADENCE!!! Cassie always delivers! Here we are after dinner having more cocktails. It was a wild and crazy night for us- haha 2 drinks and we called it a night. ;) 

Day 2: 

We start out in typical Sciato-Tino fashion, sparing no expense, at Salty's for brunch on Alki Beach (across the Puget Sound from Seattle). 

This was like no brunch spectacular that I have ever been a part of. All-you-can-eat seafood and regular breakfast noms. Oh. And dessert. And of course we had mimosas.

:)  

This was our view of Seattle from our table! Yeah baby!

After brunch, Cassie drove me through Alki Beach. Super cute beach town!! Yes, beach town! Not like an East Coast beach town, but definitely had lots of kitschy fun to offer! :)

Then, we went back to Tino's in Tacoma to rest a bit before dinner. 

The thing about Sea-Tac that I cannot seem to explain or say enough is how beautiful it is! Every movie that was ever shot in Washington does not give it justice.  I mean, there are MOUNTAINS around you everywhere you look! It's so majestic, so breathtaking, and was such a completely welcomed change of scenery!!

Oh, and the highway signs are silhouettes of George Washington. LOVE! ;)

   

Port of Tacoma :)

I'll save you all the port pictures I took, but man, if you haven't, think about all the jobs and businesses that are affected by sea travel and shipment. Pretty amazing what people are capable of doing and creating! 

<insert "Lookout, madam mermaid-she's waiting for you in mysterious fathoms belowwwwwww"> 

After we took a breather at Casa di Cassie, we quick-changed and did more site-seeing before heading to dinner.

Case and point. Seemingly randomly placed metropark in Tacoma, being the home of botanical gardens, trails, and a zoo. What?! 

 Sciato had to give Tino a tutorial of how to make a heart with her hands. Hi, I'm 8. and Cassie and I apparently missed that part of 2nd grade, lol #notsurprised

 She's so pretty :) 

So Cassie's sweet boyfriend, Sam, made us a tasty tasty dinner, and Cassie made a tasty tasty strawberry and peach cobler for dessert. Sciato ate VERY WELL this weekend! :)

Us party animals called it another early night, as Cassie and I fell asleep on her couch while watching "The Great Gatsby." 

Day 3: 

The day started off by realizing that the weather was so nice, that the "mountain was out." Yes, that's how Sea-Tac-ians gauge their weather! Cassie had to admit, they had very uncharacteristic weather while I was there. You're welcome! ;) It rained Day 1, and then Day 2 and Day 3 (and even Day 4!) were beautiful!!! So, in order to see the "mountain that was out," one needn't search too far. I mean, Mount Rainier is a pretty freaking big volcanic mountain. Tino said that the best view was from her work. So, I got to accompany her to her Air Force Base. :) Have I mentioned that Cassie is a bad ass? Like, really. Freaking. Bad Ass.

Here's civilian Sciato in front of Mount Rainier!

Yeah. Captain Cupcake climbed to the top of this course to take that picture for me. She's a beast!!!

After this, Tino took me to her favorite coffee house, Valhalla Coffee Co: Home of the World's Best Mocha.

Nom.

Cassie did a great job of showing me all the sights Sea-Tac has to offer- including the Tacoma Narrows Bridge... I didn't recognize this either... until Cassie called it "Galloping Girdy." Oh yes. The bridge we watched buckle in physics class! Glad we didn't take it... even though it's been rebuilt since that! #ilovescience

 Then, we went to Chambers Bay for a leisurely walk- yeah right, lol Hacking/sneezing/snotting Sciato tried to buck up for a 2-3 mile hike down and back up this trail. 

Sidenote- Chambers Bay is where the 2015 PGA Golf Championship will be played! Jealous? ;)

Here's Tino walking to the trail. I'm still blowing my nose and doing tourist things. :)

 

Part of the golf course- does NOT look easy! Guess that's why they're professional golfers! :)

Rightly so, after we successfully finished this hike, we congratulated ourselves for being masters of the universe and celebrated with wine and antipasta for lunch at the cutest Italian joint in town, Pomodoro's. 

Day 3 was also Opening Day! GO REDLEGS!! :)

That's sign #2 that Cincy follows me everywhere, in case anyone was keeping track! :) 

After Sciato got a little tipsy at lunch, we came back to Cassie's to relax and enjoy each other's company. Still a beautiful afternoon, we opened windows and had some more beverages!

 We had the most spectacular view from her apt, both outside... 

and in... 

It's a good thing some things never change. Me and Cassie and the Food Network  = a match made in relaxation heaven!!

We finished off Day 3 with YouTube videos, episodes of "Too Cute" and "My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding," the movie "Best in Show," and Cassie's pasta and meatballs. Our mamas would be proud!!! :) 

Day 4: 

Sucked. I hate goodbyes. It's very seldom that I get to see Cassie, and I really think that we made the best use of our time together!! We had lots of time to sight-see and get a feel for the West Coast Vibes, but we also had a lot of time to just sit and talk and just be with each other!!! Much needed girl time, indeed! :) Love my Tino!!!

By the time I got to the airport, I had to cope with my depression. 

New World, if you haven't go to Seattle. It's a beautiful place, full of vibrance, green grass, and fantastic people. And when you go, look up Cassie. She's your right hand gal!

Thanks for a great weekend, Tino!! :) 

Until next time, New World, 

This is me, bein me. :) 

Cheers. :)