A Spring in My Step!

It's Spring! Well, not yet technically. The first day of Spring is not till March 20th. But in Southern California, it seems Spring has come early this year. The weather outside is absolutely gorgeous. The sun is shinning but the air is cool. The grass is lush and green again, no longer the dull brown of winter. The flowers in our front yard have started to bloom. I've never been much of a garden-person but I can't help but smile when I see our lovely pink and yellow roses (huge ones too ... as big as my hands wide open!). The amazing scent of our lavender and jasmine plants are intoxicating. I also love how our backyard lemon and orange trees are heavy with fruit. It is such a privilege to witness Spring time in California! Even if I am a winter-and-autumn girl at heart, it's hard not to feel happy when Spring arrives.

And with Spring comes wedding season! My brother-in-law, Jay, is getting married in 5 weeks. My best friend is getting married next year. And who knows who else is next!? This last weekend we were in "wedding mode". I finally found a dress to wear to Jay's wedding. It has not been easy. My first option was a dress made in Manila. It was made by our family mananahi (seamstress). I designed it but when I saw the finished product ... well, it wasn't quite what I had in mind. I am so not cut out to be a fashion designer! Luckily it didn't cost too much and I can still have it altered when I go back home. My second choice is a black cocktail dress I got a few weeks ago. It is really nice and quite slimming. Even Jojo liked it when I tried it on. But then wearing black to a Spring wedding may be too severe. So I scrapped that idea. My third choice (after much searching!) was a lace and satin cocktail dress I found in Nordstrom. I liked it and my sisters-in-law gave it their approval too. But when I went back to get it, it had sold out! How tragic! For my female readers, you know what I mean ... it's almost impossible to find the "right dress" and when you do, it's almost like a mini miracle! Jojo could not understand why I was so frustrated. He kept saying "just get another one". Which for a guy is easy but for a girl means going through the painful process of finding the perfect one - the right style, the right color, the right fit, the right price ... and most of all one that doesn't make my butt look big! It's TOUGH!

Anyway, last Saturday, I got lucky and I found one. I first saw it at Macy's and tried it on. Perfect! - or as close to perfect when it comes to shopping for a dress. And even better, I found it next door at Nordstrom (yes, the exact same dress ... and it was on sale ... ON SALE at Nordstrom!). Halleluia - the stars and planets have aligned! I was slightly hedging only because I wanted to get a second opinion ... but Jojo made me get it right away since I think he was afraid he would be dragged on another dress-searching expedition! So, I got it and I am happy. No second thoughts whatsoever ... that's a good sign. Then on Sunday we went shopping for bridal magazines for my friend, Les. I found a gorgeous bridal journal for her too. Now I have to find a way to send it to her! I am so excited for her to get these. Hopefully the mags give her some great ideas and inspiration. And the journal helps her jot down the things she needs to get done. Since I can't physically be there to help her ... I'm hoping this makes it a little bit easier =)

So, Spring is here and weddings are things to look forward to and celebrate. I know the world is still not perfect (there are recessions and calamities happening all over and I am mindful of that) but for a little while, in my little corner of the globe, I am thankful, and happy and just glad to be so blessed =)