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. :)

6 on Sunday, #yeeeeeeeyeah

Hello, New World! 

I come to you tonight, a much happier and healthier Sciato! Yahoo! :) 

I have 6 wonderful things to share with you tonight! Get those jazz hands ready!

This week's edition is brought to you by several labors of love, all that happened within the last 8 days, much of which is sponsored in part by Picstitch. The app I always forget I have... Until I need it most!

1. Master bedroom facelift. In a big way! See before/after picstitch below...

Yeah, that's a darker blue accent wall by the window! Finally- we are starting to piece this room together! No more dark sad colors in here!! Now, we gotta do some decorating!

2. We aren't embarrased to bring people into our kitchen!! B Asthton "01" is gone!!! 

New World, if you are unaware, Janissa's house used to have a sponge painted kitchen, with SEVEN hand-oil-paintings of unidentifiable fruit. One such atrocity was signed (but my newest theory is that a friend of our former owners signed it for fun- who knows what we might let our friends do if we've had enough booze!) ... Regardless of its origin, it was a disgusting trend that needed to go. Bad. 

Well... B Ashton and all 7 of his works of wonder "art" are gone!! Buh-bye!  See the befores and afters, new world!

They even sponge painted the garage DOOR! So we just painted that white. Well, "Balance" to be exact. Yes. I choose paint colors like I choose nail polish and eye shadow- a very strict process of which has the best name. 

3. I picked up my wedding band this week!!!! It's shiny and perfect and I want to wear it now!!! Unfortunately, Heffe won't let me:) and he's put it on lockdown until the Big Day. No pics for you yet, New World. Just have to wait- like me!!

4. Project Yard Clean-Up has begun!!! 

You can make your own judgments of the previous homeowners based alone in their paint choices... Truth be told, they maintained this house incredibly well... And for being almost 21 years old... I can only hope we keep it in the shape it's in. It's great for us. Anyway. They spent a lot of time and money in their landscaping. Unfortunately, a few trees and plants did not grow according to their plan. We have some major clean up to do- so we started today!

Don't judge us, New World. We live in Ohio. It's only March 9. We'd gladly like to NOT put our yard waste bags on our front porch, but we have rock salt in the empty garage space... Which we will probably need this week when the low is 7 after 3 days of 60+degrees. Smh. 

Anyway... Project Clean-Up Yard has begun. :)

5. Heffe and I food prepped for the week!!

It's no secret that when it comes to self-control about indulging ourselves... Janissa has none. So, trying to avoid that, we went back to our roots and food prepped breakfast and lunches for all 5 days this week. Baby steps, but we're gettin back on the wagon!!

6. Heffe and I started building one of our wedding registries!!! 

YAY!!! SO fun, SO easy... We can only hope our other registry goes just as smoothly!!

BONUS, New World!!!! 

7. Time. 

I find myself usually stressed (shocker) about the time change when we "spring forward." I love the extra daylight, but it's so frustrating to have an hour taken away... We all know how precious time is- it's by far our most valuable resource. 

Well, this week, New World, I reset my outlook on life, and this weekend, I reset my clocks. And without skipping a beat, Heffe and I were able to do so many things this weekend- we were efficient, but also able to soak up every memorable moment. 

My goal for this week is to keep a firm grip on my reset outlook, and to remember that every once in awhile, time really can be on my side. 

What are your 6 .. Or 7:) ... on this Sunday? :)

Until next time, new world...

This is me, bein me. 

Cheers. :)

Tuesday Troubles aka- I probs shouldn't be blogging about this.

Hello, New World.

That should sum it up- this is my first post EVER to not greet you with enthusiasm. 

Well. Today was the culmination of the past... long time.... and all its stresses. 

That's right new world, I took a (borderline mandatory) mental health day today. 

I'll save you all the rant of "woe is me, I'm a teacher and I work 9-3 and get 3 months plus breaks off"... I think you all know me and my colleagues well enough to NEVER say that in our presence. Not only teachers... time is valuable to EVERYONE. And I mean EVERYONE- even if we are single without kids! (That rant is for another day, New World. :P)  If you are still wondering how I could possibly be stressed from glorified babysitting 6 hours a day... ask Heffe. He'll explain to you in grave detail what a work-a-holic bear I've been lately.

This may be news to you (ha!), but Sciato has very high expectations for herself, and doesn't let herself slack off much. She struggles a LOT of the time to maintain work-life balance. I have conversations with my teammates that go something like, "When my home life is perfect and my house is clean, my school life is chaotic," or "My home life is in shambles... but I feel prepared for work!"... I really need to work on figuring out that balance... but ultimately, this constant battle to successfully maintain all different categories of my life (and yes, for my life, they need to remain different categories... sue me, I want my personal life to stay personal) is NEVER going to be okay in my book.

With that being said, I lose balance often. Things seem to pile up all at once. I take it out on EVERYONE around me...and I take it out the worst on the people who are closest to me. Heffe. My team. My family and friends don't get the quality time they deserve. I take it out on MySELF, and eat fast food, drink lots of wine, and skip the gym. I lead myself into the pit of despair... becoming the worst version of myself... It's been going on for about 2 weeks now. 

If you're still having trouble picturing this... think Jessie Spano. 

All fun and games, right? But seriously. Girlfriend has a point. There's never enough time.

So today, I committed to catching myself up on things I needed to... which I did, and I feel much more centered and balanced. If nothing else... I feel better and calmer for NOW. 

But mostly... I reset my outlook. 

Like my least favorite country band, Sugarland, says, "I believe happiness is something we create," I did that today. I dug deep to find and dig myself out of the cave, and lift myself back into the light. I am so blessed and thankful to have people in EVERY "category" of my life who care enough about me to have those difficult conversations to knock some sense back into stubborn, anxious, sometimes unreasonable Sciato.

Now, New World, I'm not going to keep going on this pity train. I've picked myself up.

Have you ever felt like this before? What do you do to cope? I mean REALLY cope. Alcohol, taco bell, and tears only get Sciato so far. :) We gotta help each other out, New World!!

So. Until next time... Thank you, New World, for keeping Sciato honest... and for putting up with Scary Sciato's borderline nervous breakdown... and for reading and listening and believing- both in me, and that there really is a light at the end of the tunnel. :)

Until next time. 

This is me, bein me. :)

Cheers:)