This lull time in wedding preparations got me thinking if I can squeeze some do-it-yourself (DIY)  projects like invitations, place cards and other print materials. It sounds like a great idea since I have been wanting to put a more personal touch to our wedding aside from the personal preferences we considered when canvassing suppliers.

Although DIY print projects seem like an easy task, the idea of having to prepare about 100++ invitations, about 200++ place cards and menu cards is already wearing me out. It would really be tiring and impractical to go through DIY projects without the right materials. I almost gave up on the idea when I couldn’t find an easier way to cut and fold hundreds of invitations and place cards. But lo and behold! Our friendly local bookstores and office supplies stores have all the things I need.

Here are the materials that I’ll be using for my DIY print projects:

In the photo: Fellowes Small Office Paper Trimmer, Veco Elit Board (220 gsm) in blue, Prestige Paper White envelopes (#8 3/4), Gluey Tape (6mm in width), Aluminum ruler and a pair of scissors.

The Fellowes Small Office Paper Trimmer is really the deal breaker. If I haven’t come across this product in The Office Warehouse, I would have given up on the DIY project. By the name itself, it is a paper trimmer but it also has 3 extra blades — the perforating blade, the wavy cut blade and the scoring blade. I was really after the straight-cut and scoring blades but ever since the purchase, I can think of more projects to do with the 2 other blades. It is a bit pricey, though. Lex even noted that the actual cost of our invitations might be the same as the commercially produced invitations. It did saddened me a little bit, but I was after the *DIY* part of the project and not necessarily the cost-cutting aspect. Although I will try hard to cut back on the other expenses like lessening rejects or borrowing a printer.

Here are some of the semi-mock invitations I did.

The square tri-fold invitations. Each partition measures 5 by 5 in. I just did some improvising (combined 2 two-folds) since I only have 8.5 by 11 in paper.

The pocket-fold invitations. I found the instructions here. Although I did a bit of improvising (again) because of the paper.

The boarding pass invitation. If you look closely, I used the perforating blade at the right.

It would be a waste not to use the wave-cut blade. Maybe I can use it for escort cards like this.

I used some left over paper to add a colored lining to the envelopes. However, to avoid making the invites blend too much into the invite, I might use printed paper. Whether pre-made or self-made, I’m still undecided.

I’ll not be using the same paper for the actual invitations, though. I just need them to practice on the paper trimmer and to better visualize the size and design of the invitations I would want. I’ll just go to Divisoria one of these days to order the paper that I need and have them pre-cut to minimize the labor.

DIY Invitations can really be time-consuming. I already spent one Sunday afternoon just doing these semi-mock invitations. Hopefully I can finish them all before the two-month deadline.

I had asked this a couple of times to different people. One time to Lex as we were listening to old 90′s music on the radio and other to my lunchmates after I heard this while eating:

Mainstream music has become too “pop” and/or “loud” for my taste nowadays. It’s actually refreshing to stumble upon love ballads every once in a while.

What’s more frustrating is that it’ll take twice as long as the previous update just to follow-up on the previous one. Haaaay.

I really envy those who have made it in the internet/blogging scene. Famous in their own way. And they seem to have a little niche of their own. Come to think of it, if I really started to take this seriously back in ’05, things could have been different…

… Okay, I take it back. Even if I did want to take this seriously, It just wasn’t in my top list of priorities. School got in the way back then. And now, work. I don’t even have the luxury of internet browsing during break time. But, I think what’s different now is that I can make this a semi-priority. I can shoo away those little brainless tasks which significantly take up most of my spare internet time.

And by brainless task I mean the one that starts with “F” and ends with “acebook.”

So here is the little challenge I made with myself. Facebook will be put on hold indefinitely until it’s REALLY necessary. No checking of status updates and tagged photos. Read all the private messages forwarded to my email and only reply if necessary. Dedicate all the time I spend on FB writing here.

And I do have a lot to write about. 2012 is only a few months away but I haven’t written anything substantial about the wedding. I really wanted to document everything so that I have some more material if I need to reminisce aside from the photos and the souvenirs. Of course, if all else fails, I can still write about how many days since I last visited my news feed.

Wish me luck!

Fast forward to six months later, we were informed that CTK have already opened their 2012 calendar for reservations. I asked for another quote from Glass Garden and true enough, they have increased their rates. Although we were already opting for a morning wedding, I was really hesitant to let go of a large sum of money for both venues (CTK rates are also high compared to other churches). In an effort to scout for more venues and probably save money, I suggested to look into other options.

We haven’t really included The Mango Farm in our list of prospective reception venues because we were really not sure where our wedding ceremony should take place. Nonetheless, we still took a little side trip to The Mango Farm one Saturday morning.

The Mango Farm is located inside Kingsville Court subdivision along Sumulong Highway. It can be a little confusing to go there since there is another Kingsville Subdivision before Kingsville Court if you are comming from Masinag/QC area. Once you have realized this, getting there will be easy with the map provided by their website.

We were supposed to meet Mike, the owner and General Manager of The Mango Farm however, when we got there, we were told that he was out delivering flowers to a client and wouldn’t be back until the afternoon. Nell, their secretary, was gracious enough to show us the place on Mike’s behalf.

The place is really lovely and really big. The farm stretches to about 1-2 blocks wide. It somehow gives out the country club feel without having to travel outside Metro Manila for such a place. Also, other venues will just let you in one grand ballroom or event hall but with them, it’s one corner after the other — each with their own “functionality.” There’s a place for cocktails, dinner reception and photobooth. And the guests can freely roam around the farm grounds because it’s rented for one whole day for the client’s exclusive use! I’m pretty much sold at that idea since Lex and I are such private people and we really don’t want to share our special occasion with strangers across the hall. The rates are not that bad, either. Granted that it is not dirt cheap, but the rental is for about 7 hours which is more than enough for cocktails, dinner, reception program and a small dance party… or videoke (we still haven’t polished that part of the wedding).

The Mango Farm is such a great place for weddings and it really has all the things we need for our special day. And about the ceremony problem, as it turns out I missed out one tiny detail during our initial reception venue hunt. The St Therese parish, orignally located at Filinvest East, is building their new church along Marcos Highway near Masinag. Travel time to the Mango Farm from the new church site will only take 10 minutes tops. It may not be airconditioned like CTK but the high ceiling and wide area is very conducive for air flow. And because airconditioning is not included, the rates can be considerably lower than CTK (yay!).

And with that new realization, we booked both the church and reception venue a week later. Just as Lex would want it

I sincerely thought it’ll become uneventful but the exact opposite happened. Life-changing in a sense but in retsospect, it was more of confirmation.

I am truly grateful for the year that passed. Hopefully, this year will be the same.

It all started with a ring.

Well, wedding proposals always start with a ring. Too weird of me to think otherwise.

From the start, I always knew that the wedding proposal (from Lex of course) was never a question of “Will it happen?” but rather an issue of “When will it be?”. Even before we were together we share the same sentiments with regards to dating and relationships. Be with someone who we really think is spouse material, not some random fling that can be changed any time. After we got together, random talks about marriage issues and how to go about it were always welcomed.

Essentially, we were really engaged. But we still kinda need the wedding proposal to mark the beginning of wedding plans. We also need the pre-proposal timeframe to sort out our personal endeavors (i.e. studies, career, enjoy remaining days of single blessedness, etc)

With that in mind, I would tell him time and time again that if ever he decides to propose, I will do the following:

1. Stop for a few seconds
2. Deliberate whether his proposal was acceptable based on my criteria (which were really easy to achieve, IMHO)
3. If not, say try again.
4. If passed:
a. Pause for a few more seconds.
b. Relish the moment.
c. Say ‘yes’

Good thing, He never questioned the algorithm or proposed any changes to it. Although he did made sarcastic comments about the three-months-salary engagement ring. But in my defense, I was misunderstood. I only said that there should be a time-frame when he’ll think that his salary (not necessarily 100%) will go to the ring. Because there should be the ritual of labor, right? Right.

It was some time in February (I think) when he contemplated on purchasing a new car. His second-hand Nissan Sentra was having more problems and owning it was more of a hassle than a luxury. Of course, there is always the issue of finances and not having enough savings for other things. When he asked for my opinion, I told him that it’ll be better for him to have a new car since the comfort and convenience might not translate to financial savings but at least he wouldn’t be so tired trying to do all his daily tasks. Thinking that a new car could serve as our first family car (his very words), I added that he should concentrate his financial efforts on the new car — not on an engagement ring (which I didn’t require to be too expensive in the first place). I even equated the car to a proposal so that he wouldn’t worry too much on how I’d take it. New car = engagement. That was the deal.

Fast forward to April. Despite the workload in the office, they were really gracious to approve my vacation leave so that I can attend Lex’s MA graduation. We were both relieved and happy that he finished his graduate studies considering the number of hurdles he went through to get there. I needed to go to the recognition rites even if it was a weekday.

After the ceremonies, Lex suggested we have lunch at some fine dining restaurant near UP. Since he was in a barong and I wore a fancy dress, I did not protest. No way would we drive to Techno Park, SM or Trinoma where all the undergraduates are. So we went straight to Zucchini’s — a super classy restaurant near A. Roces.

I really could not remember the exact sequence up to this point. I think somewhere in our conversations about his Master’s degree, his UP mentors, my work and how I should really go back after he just mentioned excitedly that he already bought my anniversary gift. He was really smiling and giddy which I translated to “I have an anniversary gift and you don’t. Ha!” (which is true… for shame!). Still excited about the gift, I asked repeatedly what it was. My mind stop guess when suddenly, a little box just appeared on the table. Still smiling, he opened the box and there it was…

A ring. Not a car, but a ring. THe ring.

And of course, I skipped number 3. =)

Nevertheless, I’m quite optimistic with the year ahead. 2009 was bittersweet (if not boring) and I couldn’t wait to see what’s in store for me this new year. Then again, even if monotony would still be included in my daily routine, I just hope more sweet memories will be associated with 2010.

Happy New Year everyone!

And as always, here is the token End-Of-Year meme.

What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
- Be marooned in my own (well, technically my brother’s) home

Did you keep your New Years’ Resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
- I remember my promise to be more sober when driving… still working on it.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
- Yup =)

Did anyone close to you die?
- Sadly yes. my father’s younger sister and my mother’s older sister.

What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
- Hmmm…. an inflatable bed. and about 10 or more life vests

What days from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory?
- The Laiya trip

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
- Finished one short course despite the “busy” schedule

What was your biggest failure?
- Having a serious hobby

Did you suffer illness or injury?
- Not really. Recent trips to the Doctor confirmed some health issues I have.

What was the best thing you bought for 2009?
- Wii and the new laptop

Where did most of your money go?
- Savings?

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
- Joie’s vacation and the Laiya trip

What song(s) will always remind you of 2009?
- No idea

Compared to this time last year, are you:
i. happier or sadder? Can’t tell
ii. thinner or fatter? Fatter?
iii. richer or poorer? Richer?

What do you wish you’d done more?
- Rest and outside work activities!

What do you wish you’d done less of?
- Worrying

What was your favorite TV program?
- Chuck!

What did you want and get
- An iPod Nano

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
- 24, work, went to church, had dinner with family

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
- an amphibious car

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
- same old same old

What kept you sane?
- Lex and …

What political issue stirred you the most?
- Ondoy, Pre-election news, Maguindanao

Who did you miss?
- Joie and maybe deeper conversations with random friends

Who was the best new person you met?
- Didn’t meet anyone new

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.
- Have a little faith. Worry less. Pray more.

What did you like the most about yourself this year?
- ???

What did you hate most about yourself this year?
- The somewhat uncontrollable mood swings. I still don’t know if it’s innately me or the imbalance thing.

Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
- ???

Was 2009 a good year for you?
- Nope. Generally speaking

What’s your most favorite moment of the year?
- Laiya trip

What’s your least favorite moment of the year?
- When Lex told me he has polyps in his gall bladder

Where were you when 2009 began?
- At home

Who were you with?
- Family

Where will you be when 2009 ends?
- At home

Who will you be with when 2010 ends?
- Family

Do you have a new year’s resolution for 2010?
- Nope. I’ll make them if I’m serious about keeping them

What was your favorite month of 2009?
- February, April, December

What was your favorite record from 2009?
- ???

Did you drink a lot of alcohol in 2009?
- Nope.

You did anything you are ashamed of this year?
- the little things I try to forget

What was your proudest moment of 2009?
- Nothing stands out

What was your most embarrassing moment of 2009?
- Nothing stands out

If you could go back in time to any moment of 2009 and change something, what would it be?
- Transfer the car to a much higher plane

What are your plans for 2010?
- Work hard. Earn much more.

How are you different now that the year has ended?
- I’m trying to achieve financial independence

What are your wishes for the new year?
- Health, success and happiness for me and my loved ones

But somehow, Christmas feels different than before. I guess the joy and excitement of Christmas wears off as you grow older. That, and a handful of thoughts lingering in my head for some time now.  Christmas and harsh reality will take a very long time to mix. It may end up like oil and water no matter how hard I try.

I did manage to complete the Simbang Gabi. A feat worth saying since I could not remember the last time I completed the nine days novena. The idea of being granted a wish after it all gives me a sense of hope.

I am very much grateful for family, friends and my special guy. My wish will always be for their good health, safety and success. Because that is what Christmas is for me. Being around the people I love and seeing their success and happiness despite the cruelty beyond the warm walls of home.

It’s sad I could not feel the Christmas spirit. Perhaps it’s the horrendous news in media nowadays. Not even the Pacquiao’s win and Penaflorida’s award boost my morale. In fact, I even feel sad that their achievements (expecially Penaflorida’s) has been shadowed by the gruesome news that followed their victories.

Eleksyon na kasi.

I think I’ll burst if I hear another unqualified person files his/her certificate of candidacy. Maybe every citizen is unqualified one way or another.

Ideally, one should look at competency and platform of the candidate during elections. Then again, our democracy is a mile away from reaching the ideal state. So what now?

Haaaaayy….