A Dedication to some unlikely suspects in an unexpected place……CUTTER DYNASTY

For the many of you who read this rambling of mine I will now leave the topic of our wedding momentarily and fill you on the past few weeks leading up to the most Epic of sporting events I have ever witnessed and a family of friends stretching across the country that we call the CUTTERS. For some you may be familiar with the 1979 film starring Dennis Quaid amongst others, about a teen who is obsessed with Italian Bike racing. While in college he and 4 other friends create the bike team Cutters, referencing the stone cutters at the quarry they hang out at and win their first year in a last lap sprint. The film is loosely based on Phi Delta Fraternity where our history of the Cutters team picks up with the brothers Randy and Steve Ressinger(sp). The Cutters as we know them started in 1984 by the brothers and the tradition began. Each year teams of at least 3 riders and up to 4 make the long and grueling training schedule starting spring semester through the cold Indiana winter, followed by a nice 2 week training in Florida and end with the series of events leading to the ultimate in collegiate sports Little 500. The event similar to Indy 500, is a 200 lap bike race where teams “Mount your Schwinns”, exchange bikes, sprint, and eat laps to complete the race fastest and first. There are so many more details that lead up to this event and that’s what this blog is about.

When Todd first started courting me in December I received a text on New Years Eve 2008 that he was so excited to take out “The Cutters, especially Patches because it was his first big guy night out.” Little did I know at that time what a night out with Patches would entail but right then I didn’t have a clue of what he was talking about. What’s a Cutter? Why is this 35 year old entertaining collegiates? Oh lord what am I getting into here? A few months later as we wrapped up the Boston Marathon I came home and Todd flew to Indiana to see the Cutters 3-peat and historical 10th win. I didn’t join him that year because of work and never would have appreciated the event as much as I did now knowing what I know.

Fast forward to winter 2009 the Sunday after Christmas as Todd and I prepare for the arrival. Most thought I was crazy(im sure others had less niceties to say about me having 5 young men staying in the house) but as the guys came to town for 2 weeks I had my reservations. Dirty? Weirdos? Girls? To my surprise and thankfulness they were amazing! Just like Jim Kirkham, Jason Smith, Chris Vargo and the adopted Sweet Jason Sonneborn I met before them, what a great group of guys; Clayton Feldman , Eric “Hazel Bear” Young, Michael “Patches” Schroeder , Zack ”Hank” Lusk and Sam ”Tripple Thick” Harbison .Determined, polite, wow! This also was my first experience around the sport and its athletes. The gear, the terminology, and the training. I was able to participate in TT(Time Trials) at the Junction, man can they ride fast! They can also cook, clean, and carry things well. We had a ton of fun between new years and surfing on the internet for interesting topics, thank Hank for that one!

So as they left us at the end of the 2 weeks, little did I know(although I found out later Kirkham was the only one to know) that Todd would pop the question soon thus officially also marrying me into the Cutter family in addition to being a Neville(which also brings about some Little 500 Champ History in the form of Kori and the Road Runners.)

So here we are flying to Indy, and this is where the blog becomes the inevitable list of silly diatribe, chalked with double meaning, real meaning, and well, ill leave some to the imagination. Here we go:
“Domestic Partners”
Theodore Fredrick Kirkham
4 mile Campus trekking
Laughing Planet(LP)
Hazel, Patch, and Hank show up with big hugs
Todd and Heather Neville
Candy Stores
Tulips at Sample
Track, Senior Outfits, Jorts, Bad Tats, See Sam
Blue Ridge
Upland Caroline, Clayton, Vargo, Caitlin, Erik and Sasha, Triples, iCrapper
Andys House- Rev Taylor Big Damn Band, Emorys belly paintings
Bake house every morning for hours, Fowler, wearing Cutters, Allison and Sasha, Kate
Fabian says “Cutters WIN LITTLE 5”
GO GO’s House
Quarry adventure-Slant Rock, Rooftop, No parking signs, Todd the Rabbit
Nicks-Sink the Biz, Panties, Fat Chicks,
Face Loops
Flaming Lips
Little 5 Track Trecking
Nicks Mediation of “The Biz”, Late night pizza with Randy
Bakehouse and Patches Song
Running Errands at Feskes Garage
“Oh man im glad we got those crates” JK
LP with Erica, Allison, Team
Kilroys Breadsticks
Birth Canal
Burn outs
Todd as Clayton
Womens Little 500, Caroline’s Scare, Teter WINS
Toilet Paper Convo
Chicks with Diamonds
“We don’t wear pants”
Frat parties at 7am
Cutter Tailgate, Big Blue
Alumnae lunch, Kori’s Win, sneaking waters, cookies
Infield pass
Get gaps
“God says GO Cutters”
CUTTERS WIN LITTLE 5 TWICE
Robert and Kay
“Best loss we could have ever had” BKB Coach
Soaking Face Loop at Nicks
Scholars Inn
Todds receives Little 5 ring
Party, warm wine, patch and todd jagering, 3 gens of dance off
Sasha chair jumping
Kilroys cap off with Sonne and Elizabeth
Pizza X
Never met Woj’s wife

Fwew, what a trip. This list doesn’t begin to describe the love and friendships forged over the lifetime of the CUTTERS. The “W” is so important but so is the ride. As the next years riders are yet to be discovered, and generations of CUTTERS are born, I know without a doubt the perpetuity with which the family goes on will be unwavering. Whether here in Florida for Winter training, at Robert and Kays sleep over, the BakeHouse and Laughing Planet for their extreme generosity to our riders and the foundation which it sits upon, Todd, Fowlers and Jims constant planning, and Jim Kirkham’s lifetime commitment, the dynasty will be. One Love, see you next year Cutters!

Something Blue

"Mary in Blue, Lover be true"

So a new habit of googling everything led me to the origin of the famous and ever lasting poem. A little out of order but a detail already received. And for those who think "color" in wedding dresses is not traditional, you need a history lesson. In fact, early 19th century most wedding dresses were blue to symbolize modesty and purity, most commonly found on Mother Mary.

As previously mentioned, I did decide to illicit a bridesmaid;Thank you and Sorry Katie ;) Prior to the decision, not that there was a question of who, but if you recall a question of having any attendants at all, Katie surprised me a bit ago with an amazing detail. The sash above is to be sewn into my dress. What an awesome idea!

Just for a little introduction, Katie Murphy and I met many years ago in the now famous(or infamous, I don't know which I will admit to) Myra Pool! It was 2006 and what a FUN summer that was. Little did we know at the time what a great friendship would stem from that silly pool!(And many others for that matter)

Katie since then married her best friend Tom and they have Little Tommy and live just blocks from my parents in Jacksonville Beach. I was fortunate enough to meet their entire family and look forward to seeing them grow!

Detail 1: The Ring

Many of you asked, so here it is!

As Todd says he did "lots of listening.

My ring is a JB STAR design with beautiful detail filigree platinum setting with 100 accent diamonds. The main stone is a 1.7k radiant cut and a trapezoid on either side.

The ring is interesting, complicated, and a little "old lady gaud"(as Todd says) just like me!

Its perfect!

Making a List and Checking it Twice

I'm not sure if Santa is real, but some of the school children riddles certainly provide for a good foundation on proper planning. Being that today is exactly 8 months until the "BIG" day, Ive decided that the next series of posts will concern the devilish details that make this event us.

As some have read on Facebook, the dress has been deposited(60% down, fwew) and we are well on our way. I had a great experience at LOVE Boutique in Jacksonville Beach with Liza as my guide. They have an extensive collection of dresses and a very cute staging area. Some things to know when buying the dress that I found helpful and stumbled upon along the way.

First, go in with some idea of what you like. Go through magazines, look online etc and have an idea. But when you get there be open to what the owners and others have in mind as well. They see a lot of women and are familiar with the dresses. And heck, you're only doing this once right? Try on some crazy stuff too!!! Plan on being there for 2 hours, so if you line up more than one place in a day, give yourself time. Also I dont recommend more than 2 venues in one day.

Next, keep in mind that the dress is based on measurements that are taken now and not after you "lose those few pounds." So the lesson here is be realistic. Don't order a size smaller because you "will fit in", and don't kill yourself to lose a ton of weight. I must make a side note that I actually measured at a size 4 but purchased a size 6. I can always take a dress in, I cant always remove pounds. Plus remember he proposed to you the way you are now, not what he wants you to look like for 4 - 7 hours 9 months from now.

Lastly, think about accessories from the whole perspective from the get-go. What will it look like in photos? How much will my feet hurt? Veil, shoes, jewelry, etc. Keep in mind unless you are doing something hip like red or pink shoes, you don't want mismatched whites!!!! BUT for me I think most of the dyeables were hideous!

With that said, Im extremely excited about my dress. And to add to the excitement, as I flipped through the pages of Martha's 15th Anniversary Wedding Magazine I turned the page and there was MY dress!!!! Being the HUGE Martha Fan I am I feel so honored that I and her staff have like taste.

SO I look forward to sharing the details and hearing every ones thoughts. I did decide to have one attendant and I asked her yesterday at the fitting and she said "yes." Katie Murphy Scales will be assisting me throughout the process, the day of, and without a doubt for years to come. Thank you Katie for being a best friend, confidant, and well, a whole lot of fun!

As I cruised home from Jax Beach back to the Aug yesterday I heard a sentence from a Bob Marley Greatest Hits CD that Id never noticed before. "As it was in the beginning, so shall it be in the end, One Love" IM sure its from the Bible or such, but he definitely vocalizes it best.
'

Latest specs:
To photo booth or not to photo booth, that is the budget question.

I finally decided to do the Honeymoon Wedding Registry. Link to come

Lastly, as I had my car getting an oil change I walked over to Defores, I couldnt take it and put the deposit on the spot! NEVER go to a cake place right before lunch!

The Devil is Definitely in the Details

Decisions have been made, dates have been set, plans have been solidified and things are shaking. But man its hard to tell someone no. No I don’t like your dress, no we are going with another venue, no we like this other photographer. At the end of the day, those who wed, plan, photo, bake, boil, serenade all are artists, and there are a lot of good ones. Versus my career and a day to day battle where I challenge rival payroll systems, at the end of my very long days, im proposing and demoing someone else’s brainchild. No one feels bad to tell me no, and honestly it doesn’t hurt my feelings(although I hate to loose, especially to other service bureaus. Boooooo)

So here’s the anecdote to our life together; the day of and beyond details.

Todd will be running RAGNAR as his bachelor party. He has promised to wear sunscreen and be extra careful as he and 7 of his faithful running friends take off from Tampa in an attempt to break the state record by running over 200 miles to Daytona relay style. Wish him luck(and me since he will be gone Thursday through Saturday.) Patrick and Tim, im holding you both responsible for getting him home on time, un sunburned, and in one piece.

Dress decision has been made, I will not post but will respond to email requests(Todd frequents the blog.) I will say its from the first place I went, Love Boutique in Jacksonville Beach, Florida and is totally opposite from where I originally went. Shoes im still debating(also only available on request.) My dear friend Erica Reynolds from Sutra in Jax Beach will be dealing with hair! I will be getting extentions "cause girl you know everyones got them." And Diedra Leake will continue to improve my skin. P90X has been placed into the workout regimen to start after the Gate River Run in 2 weeks.

Our ceremony will be in the Lobby of the beautiful Lightner Museum in Historic downtown St Augustine followed by a Spanish tapas reception at The Tasting Room featuring a fabulous menu and Champagne reception. Solo will be playing and im really looking forward to the celebration.

We, after much debate(all good) decided on Zach Thomas Photographyand are looking forwardto his artistry.

Flowers will be a combo of poppies and ranunculous roses and black calla lilies from Liz Stewart Design.

Invitations are almost ordered but as Todd says “remind him of me and my big eyes” and are titled, “Whooooos in love”

And then the cake, this is still on the table! Im a function over form person, so it will be yummy.

I think that’s it!

Oh I almost forgot the Honeymoon! In classic, movie fashion, Todd and I will be leaving from our reception and heading to the airport! This was one thing I insisted upon and im so happy Todd went along with it. We will be departing on the 22nd from Orlando to St Lucia for 5 days. Then heading to Madrid for a week! I cant tell you how excited I am. I will have our Honeymoon Wishes Registry up this week!

On a side note, thank you to everyone who has requested blog updates! Life and love has been incredibly busy and free time was spent attempting to sleep, learn Espanol and continue towards my race training! Now that selling season is over, work will resume as normal and I can get focused on this wedding!

Happy Groundhogs Day

Happy Groundhogs Day!

So why the big deal? A year ago today Todd invited me to Tips for Kids, a fundraiser where local “celebrities” serve dinner at various restaurants around town and the tips go to Boys and Girls Club. Funny thing, Tips for Kids is tonight and its Groundhogs Day! Lets just hope this year he doesn’t invite all his girlfriends!

Last year I had just moved to St Augustine and received a text from Todd to come. I didn’t know anyone in town so he had me call his friend Ashley and meet up with her. It was a great event and I ended up also befriending, Don, Ashley’s now husband, Dr Stu, Seth Corneal and Leah Beck! The topic that I really find funny and that Todd constantly pokes at me about is how there were 3 girls that he invited that night who he was “dating” and invited me just as a new person in town. That night we ended up sitting with the Mayor in the main dining area away from all 3 girls and as Todd says “you just fell in love.” I recall a little differently. Thinking to myself, “is he serious? this guy is insatiable!” Regardless I was a bit intrigued since the 3 girls were so different and all basically chasing him around, so I had to find out for myself what the big deal was!

Prior to my moving to St Augustine Todd and I’s interaction was simply business; But there is the fern incident. He sent me a fern to my parents house where I was staying the week before I moved after a small procedure I had done(nothing serious)! My mom asked “Who is Todd?” I just replied “some bald CPA guy, I don’t know what his deal is.” After moving to St Augustine, I was still sorting out some medical stuff and had to head back to Jax. To make an everlasting impression Todd sent a bouquet of roses with a note that read “ I know you think your $@1t doesn’t stink, I guess we will find out tomorrow.” (ill leave the type of procedure to imagination)I was blown away. Come to find out recently he was panicking after this because I didn’t call for a few days. I guess girls not chasing him didn’t happen often? After many attempts at texting me for dates , the gloves came off so to speak and I finally gave in to a suedo date on Valentine’s Day! Shortly followed by the Paul Harris Dinner and our first out of town together, The Gate River Run!

So here we are, 1 fern, a few dozen roses, Plumeria earrings and an engagement ring later! Lets hope this is not like the Bill Murray movie and I have to redo the whole year! LOL From here on out im looking forward to actual wedding planning activities! As our Mayor Joe Boles said at Rotary Lunch, “Todds very smart for trapping her.”

Wedding Plans
November 21st Tasting Room Reception, Initialed napkins and a real wedding cake.
Ceremony, looking like the Lightner Museum Lobby! Fingers Crossed!

Another one bites the dust...........

Another one bites the dust……………….

No this is not about Todd and being the next victim to matrimony. Rather this is one song that plays over and over in my head whenever I think of my Dad. That and “Riders on the storm.” These are his go to songs. Every morning my Dad would take my brother Addison and I to the nanny and school respectively and we would listen to either of these 2 songs in the suburban. “Are you ready? HEY duh duh duh, Another one bites the dust!” It was slightly embarrassing but it was the one time of day that my Dad was always fun. We also would either play “Knock Knock” jokes or the never funny “Why don’t ducks fly upside down?” I seriously think that was told every morning between 1987 and 1992 between Myra St and San Pablo Elementary! Oh and we will never forget always trying to find the runner lady with the thong and long braid!

So why the back story? Well I’m now 28 years old(thank you January 23rd for sneaking up so quickly) and I have always been a Daddy’s girl. So much so that we are cut from the same mold and for the better part of my teens and early 20’s this was a difficult relationship. He’s a confident, independent, intelligent man who at the very least is perceived as stoic. Worked his whole life for his family, 13 days on 1 off at Southern Bell/Bell South/ATT, for as long as I can remember so we could have better than he ever did.

Weekend before last at the Bridal Extravaganza ( awesome if you are 21 to 25, me ehh) as we were sitting and discussing the rows of vendors, cakes, men dressed in jail outfits(ball and chain reference here) 18 year olds modeling wedding dresses(designed for 18 year olds) he very nonchalantly slid into conversation that he had just visited a bridal boutique, The Black Tie. Me “Were you fixing their phones? Dad “No.” Me “Well what were you doing in there?” Dad “Looking at brides dresses. They had to help me out I about had a heart attack, I was a blubbering idiot.” SHOCK!!!!!!!!

I have been surprised by my father only a few times in my life. First when he cried at his 50th Birthday party. Second he sent me a card one year “just because” which I cherish. Lastly the Christmas snow globe which I keep on my desk to this day. It was one of the only gifts he has given all on his own. But this bridal shop thing was surprising. My Dad, the one who still buys my Christmas Tree and lugs it in the house and fixes things when I need it(even if it means driving all the way to St Augustine after a 12 hour work day.), who I never thought would let another man into my life, went and looked at dresses. This is it, this is a sign that he’s all in. Todd he loves you, he will probably never tell you, or if he does it will be as he stands next to you out of the side of his mouth. But he loves you, and I’m thankful and happy for that!

Dad, I don’t think I’ve said it out loud in years, I Love You.

Wedding update:
This is not easy. As my dear friend Ashley says, “this is a job.” And as my other dear friend Ashley filled in Todd “meet in the middle when it comes to getting things done.”
Meeting with a venue this week but 99% sure. Ceremony spot has changed about 3 times. Want to know why? Check out the St Augustine Record today January 26th cover story about the vendors!