95

I used to love playing outfield, center, living for the moment when I could launch the softball from well behind second to the catcher in time to tag someone out. I used to love using my slow-pitch softball bat and the extra drag it made, the extra force it required to pull my body around and hit in fast-pitch. My arms used to be solid.

That is all gone now, apparently. As I type this, my arms are shaking. They may fall off. I've been so disgusted with myself lately that I got a new workout video. I heard she's intense. People aren't kidding. I never thought I'd think that cardio was a relief from strength training. So, I got the 30 Day Shred video.

She looks innocent enough, right? Wow. Level one kicked my ass. The strength training. My arms. Over. I'm determined not to let this get me down. I. Will. Win. It took me more than 90 days to complete the 90 in 90 challenge. It may take me more than 30 days to get any sort of "shredded" body.

And honestly, I don't want to. It's nice to know that. It's nice to finally acknowledge that that is not my body type. I am not that tall. I am not that flat-chested. I am not that dedicated. We can't all be, because then what is the "ideal"? But I know that in 30 days, I'll feel better. I'll put less shit in my body. I'll have more energy. I'll breathe easier (especially in that wedding dress).

Speaking of wedding things... Let me tell you, I'm feeling pretty solid about our wedding theme and all the small elements right now. I did some digging to see what happening with art deco weddings right now (no worries, paternally-inclined readers: I've finished two final projects already. Only one more project and 23 hours of translating to go!)

This seemed so accurate! The ostrich feathers will be making an appearance at our reception. That's our cake design, if you remember the earlier post. We even thought about getting a birdcage for our cards. I'll find that while Dad keeps working on finding our getaway cars, like the one above. He's got some good leads. Really, I just want Joe and I to pose for some cute pictures like this couple–love the casual, nostalgic feel and the desaturated color.

I love these pictures! I'm so excited to have Rachel, my best friend, as the photographer. She knows my taste exactly, and we're definitely working toward the same artsy and less conventional style. I want to play with a lot of color, do a lot more dramatic/couture/fun/fashionable poses instead of stiff styles. The play with warmth and shadow here is so fun and unique. Love.

I've been dying for a 1920s/30s hairstyle since, well, somewhere near the womb. I'm glad that this elegant picture hits so close to home with what I'm planning: the hairpiece, low hairstyle and powerful lips with simple makeup. I'm feeling like a real success today! Maybe I could keep the hairstyle long after the wedding...

This mess of art deco is so fun! I love the geometric orderliness of the movement. This picture doesn't really hit on any part of the wedding, but it shows a lot of things I love from the time and why I wanted to use it as a theme. It's sensual and sleek while still being classy and very sophisticated. The colors are, how do I say this? Muted in a powerful way? Everything I try to type about them is a contradiction. I wish I had a Katherine Hepburn body to rock the sheath dress and daring cuts like they could. Would that be inappropriate for a Catholic ceremony? Ah, well. At least I can have the amazing hair.