Monday, September 29, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
How many cannibals could your body feed?
It's a very important question.
Katie's Results
Eric's Results
Bon appetit!
Katie's Results
Eric's Results
Bon appetit!
Our Lives Thus Far
So you've read about the wedding and the events leading up to it. Now here's a quick update on what's been going on with us lately.
Eric moved to Orlando in June 2007 after resigning his position as a manager at the Herkimer Area Resource Center and selling his house in Mohawk, New York. Having earned his associate's degree from Herkimer County Community College, Eric had already begun taking courses online toward his bachelor's in business administration from Everest University.
He began his career with Walt Disney World as a front desk concierge at Disney's Boardwalk Resort. Very early on, he was chosen as a trainer for front desk cast and a facilitator of the training class for all new Boardwalk cast members. Soon after he was trained as an FSA (I don't know what that stands for, but basically it means you're in charge of the whole front desk), Eric applied for a management position and was chosen to be part of a pilot program designed for approximately 30 of the company's top management candidates. He completed the Emerging Leaders program two days before the wedding and, on that day, the official announcement was made that he had been permantently placed as a front desk manager for Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa and Disney's Old Key West Resort.
As for myself, after I graduated from Stetson, I secured a gig as a full-time piano player at the Marriott World Center for a while, and, until the show ceased broadcast in July, I also wrote for the online trivia game EAgameshow.com by EA Sports. I continued working for Disney in the entertainment department and consequently as a photographer up to the present. In January, my friend Gretchen open her own business, an after-school performing arts academy, and I joined the faculty as a part-time drama, piano, voice, photography, and ballroom teacher. I've also been performing at Kimonos at the Walt Disney World Swan since last May. It's a fun gig!
Outside of work, I sang with the Orlando Chamber Singers and the Orlando Chorale last season, and I also volunteer from time to time at Give Kids the World Village. My songwriting has been coming along as well. I entered a piece in the contest to select a new Florida state song, and it was one of the top 20 contenders. A holiday piece I wrote was premiered by Gretchen's massed choirs at East Ridge High School, and the Orlando Gay Chorus has expressed interest in performing it for their winter concert this year.
Eric rowed for a team from his work location for a regatta called Canoe Races of the World, held annually in the Rivers of America at the Magic Kingdom. The team didn't place, but he enjoyed training for the race and being in the park before opening!
We also both performed for the second straight year in Encore! Cast Choir and Orchestra, an annual charity performance put on by Disney cast members. This year's concerts raised $25,940 for United Arts of Central Florida. Also, we'll be performing as part of the cast choir for Epcot's Christmas Candlelight concerts.
We're keeping busy, that's for sure, but Eric secured vacation time for the week of my birthday in October, and we're going on a four-night Royal Caribbean cruise! 19 days 'til we depart! Bon voyage!
Eric moved to Orlando in June 2007 after resigning his position as a manager at the Herkimer Area Resource Center and selling his house in Mohawk, New York. Having earned his associate's degree from Herkimer County Community College, Eric had already begun taking courses online toward his bachelor's in business administration from Everest University.
He began his career with Walt Disney World as a front desk concierge at Disney's Boardwalk Resort. Very early on, he was chosen as a trainer for front desk cast and a facilitator of the training class for all new Boardwalk cast members. Soon after he was trained as an FSA (I don't know what that stands for, but basically it means you're in charge of the whole front desk), Eric applied for a management position and was chosen to be part of a pilot program designed for approximately 30 of the company's top management candidates. He completed the Emerging Leaders program two days before the wedding and, on that day, the official announcement was made that he had been permantently placed as a front desk manager for Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa and Disney's Old Key West Resort.
As for myself, after I graduated from Stetson, I secured a gig as a full-time piano player at the Marriott World Center for a while, and, until the show ceased broadcast in July, I also wrote for the online trivia game EAgameshow.com by EA Sports. I continued working for Disney in the entertainment department and consequently as a photographer up to the present. In January, my friend Gretchen open her own business, an after-school performing arts academy, and I joined the faculty as a part-time drama, piano, voice, photography, and ballroom teacher. I've also been performing at Kimonos at the Walt Disney World Swan since last May. It's a fun gig!
Outside of work, I sang with the Orlando Chamber Singers and the Orlando Chorale last season, and I also volunteer from time to time at Give Kids the World Village. My songwriting has been coming along as well. I entered a piece in the contest to select a new Florida state song, and it was one of the top 20 contenders. A holiday piece I wrote was premiered by Gretchen's massed choirs at East Ridge High School, and the Orlando Gay Chorus has expressed interest in performing it for their winter concert this year.
Eric rowed for a team from his work location for a regatta called Canoe Races of the World, held annually in the Rivers of America at the Magic Kingdom. The team didn't place, but he enjoyed training for the race and being in the park before opening!
We also both performed for the second straight year in Encore! Cast Choir and Orchestra, an annual charity performance put on by Disney cast members. This year's concerts raised $25,940 for United Arts of Central Florida. Also, we'll be performing as part of the cast choir for Epcot's Christmas Candlelight concerts.
We're keeping busy, that's for sure, but Eric secured vacation time for the week of my birthday in October, and we're going on a four-night Royal Caribbean cruise! 19 days 'til we depart! Bon voyage!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Wedding Recap
Following our previous post about the pre-wedding activities (proposal, events, rehearsal, etc.), here is a short recap of the wedding day. Our mothers, the bridesmaids, and I all got ready for the big day in the parlor at the church, recently renovated to accomodate brides and their wedding parties. The gentlemen prepared at their hotel and at my parents' house and rendezvous-ed in the conference room to pal around and perfect their looks. Here are some photos of everyone getting ready!
Preceding the ceremony, my cousins Georgia, Jennifer, Rachel, and Sarah greeted guests at the sanctuary doors and distributed the ceremony programs. Guests were then escorted to their seats by Eric's groomsmen to the music of Carole Parker at the piano and Abby Mills on violin.
When the guests were seated, Jackson escorted in my father's parents, Jeff escorted Eric's parents, and Jackson escorted in my mom while Carole and Abby played Air on the G String. Then Eric entered with Steve and, officiating, our uncle Eric. Following their entrance, each of the remaining attendants processed.
As Carole and Abby played Girl with the Flaxen Hair, my dad and I walked down the aisle at the ceremony began! We said our vows, exchanged our rings, and Eric (the officiant, not the groom) read from the scripture two passages that Eric (the groom) and I chose for the occasion.
As our mothers and we lit the candles in our unity wreath, our wedding song played. Eric and I recorded our version of "Come What May" for the service. Then we were pronounced man and wife and Eric kissed the bride. Here are the photos from the ceremony.
Then the real party started! While we, our familes, and the wedding party took photos in the sanctuary (you can see them here), the guests started the reception downstairs. Little by little, the photos were of smaller and smaller groups as family and friends from the sanctuary joined the reveling at the reception. Finally, when Eric and I were through with our individual portraits, we made our grand entrance at the reception! We surprised our guests with a unique rendition of "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" that transitions from a sweet slow dance to an upbeat swing. My dad and I danced to "Unforgettable", and Eric and his mom danced to "You Raise Me Up." We invited all of our parents to dance during "Beautiful in My Eyes", and we danced away the rest of the evening with all of our wedding guests. It was a beautiful day that all of us will remember. Click here to see photos from the reception.
The next morning, we left for the beach house at Ponce Inlet and enjoyed a week-long tropical honeymoon. The peaceful natural environment made for a memorable and enjoyable vacation. Here are some honeymoon photos!
Now we're back in Orlando each doing what we do best. More on that later. Hope you relived our special day vicariously through this detailed and roving recap post!
Preceding the ceremony, my cousins Georgia, Jennifer, Rachel, and Sarah greeted guests at the sanctuary doors and distributed the ceremony programs. Guests were then escorted to their seats by Eric's groomsmen to the music of Carole Parker at the piano and Abby Mills on violin.
When the guests were seated, Jackson escorted in my father's parents, Jeff escorted Eric's parents, and Jackson escorted in my mom while Carole and Abby played Air on the G String. Then Eric entered with Steve and, officiating, our uncle Eric. Following their entrance, each of the remaining attendants processed.
As Carole and Abby played Girl with the Flaxen Hair, my dad and I walked down the aisle at the ceremony began! We said our vows, exchanged our rings, and Eric (the officiant, not the groom) read from the scripture two passages that Eric (the groom) and I chose for the occasion.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:12-17
For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:14-19
As our mothers and we lit the candles in our unity wreath, our wedding song played. Eric and I recorded our version of "Come What May" for the service. Then we were pronounced man and wife and Eric kissed the bride. Here are the photos from the ceremony.
Then the real party started! While we, our familes, and the wedding party took photos in the sanctuary (you can see them here), the guests started the reception downstairs. Little by little, the photos were of smaller and smaller groups as family and friends from the sanctuary joined the reveling at the reception. Finally, when Eric and I were through with our individual portraits, we made our grand entrance at the reception! We surprised our guests with a unique rendition of "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" that transitions from a sweet slow dance to an upbeat swing. My dad and I danced to "Unforgettable", and Eric and his mom danced to "You Raise Me Up." We invited all of our parents to dance during "Beautiful in My Eyes", and we danced away the rest of the evening with all of our wedding guests. It was a beautiful day that all of us will remember. Click here to see photos from the reception.
The next morning, we left for the beach house at Ponce Inlet and enjoyed a week-long tropical honeymoon. The peaceful natural environment made for a memorable and enjoyable vacation. Here are some honeymoon photos!
Now we're back in Orlando each doing what we do best. More on that later. Hope you relived our special day vicariously through this detailed and roving recap post!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Granny
My paternal grandmother passed away last evening from pancreatic cancer. Eric has been asked to be a pallbearer, and we will be driving up to Georgia either tomorrow night after my classes at the studio or Saturday morning for the service on Saturday.
I am grateful to her for sharing her passion for music and teaching with me and my family. I began taking piano lessons from her at a very young age and built a foundation of piano technique on the skills that she taught me. Now I make my living doing the same for artistic young people, and I am appreciative to her for enstilling that passion in me.
She also gave me my dad, who is the most selfless, loving father in the whole world.
Shirla Ione Shaw Pinder
1930-2008
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Pre-Wedding Activities Recap
Eric's and my May 24th wedding was beautiful, a dream come true to say the very least. Surrounded by friends and family, it was a magical celebration of the beginning of our new lives.Here is a recap of the events leading up to it, soon to be followed by a recap of that amazing day.
On November 20, 2007, Eric proposed at the place where we had met at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
We planned a six-month engagement and a wedding in my hometown of Waycross, Georgia.
We chose our attendants to be:
Maid of Honor - Annie Pinder, my sister
Bridesmaid - Laura Kazmarek, Eric's sister
Bridesmaid - Gretchen Kemp, our friend
Best Man - Steve Brown, Eric's brother
Groomsman - Jeff Brown, Eric's brother
Groomsman - Jackson Pinder, my brother
A group of my parents' friends put together a ladies' shower at First Baptist Church where our wedding reception would be held. Their Sunday School class hosted a couples' shower. Then my bridesmaids and aunts organized a shower of local friends and family held here in Orlando. Photos from those events can be seen here.
We had engagement photos taken at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Those photos can be seen here.
The week of the wedding, Eric graduated from Emerging Leaders, a pilot program at Disney for top management candidates. He was permanently placed as a Guest Service Manager at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa and Disney's Old Key West Resort.
Friends and family began to gather in Waycross to prepare for the festivities. Friday, the day before the wedding, was filled with activities for the wedding party. The gentlemen gathered for final tux fittings and a barbecue lunch. The ladies got together for a dainty lunch and a mani/pedi session.
The wedding rehearsal with all of the wedding party and ceremony participants went very smoothly. The rehearsal dinner, hosted by Eric's parents, was an intimate affair enjoyed by all. Held at the historic Ivy House in downtown Waycross, the dinner provided new acquaintances and old friends and relatives to celebrate the joining of two families.
At the hotel chosen to host out-of-town friends and family, those involved in the wedding connected at our dessert reception with the wedding guests staying there. I wish I could remember who thought of this idea because it was a wonderful opportunity for our friends and family to get acquainted and for everyone to relax and enjoy some sweets before the stressful fun of the wedding day began the next morning.
Stay tuned for a wedding recap, coming soon! In the meantime, check out a sampling of wedding photos here.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Inaugural Post
Hello, friends, family, and faraway admirers!
In anticipation of the imminent expiration of our wedding web site's domain, we (meaning I) decided to start a family blog so that people can continue to read about our exploits if they choose. So EricAndKP.com will be alive and well until November, at which point this blog will become the primary source for your Brown family news.
For the inaugural post, I have decided to include some interesting, yet useless, information about us.
Interesting Anagrams of Katie's Name
I won't break
beatnik row
break in two
bear to wink
Bartok wine
tweak robin
twain broke
Interesting Anagrams of Eric's Name
I brew corn
brown rice
robin crew
crow brine
crew in orb
Exciting Events on Katie's Birthday
1815 - Napoleon Bonaparte exiled
1844 - Friedrich Nietzsche is born
1860 - 11-year-old constituent suggests Abraham Lincoln grow a beard
1924 - Statue of Liberty declared a national monument
1939 - LaGuardia Airport opens
1942 - Penny Marshall is born
1951 - I Love Lucy debuts on CBS
1953 - Tito Jackson is born
1959 - Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, is born
1964 - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., receives Nobel Peace Prize
Exciting Events on Eric's Birthday
1777 - First national Thanksgiving day
1936 - First giant panda imported to the US
1947 - Steven Spielberg is born
1954 - Ray Liotta is born
1965 - Brad Pitt is born
1966 - Kiefer Sutherland is born
1996 - TV ratings system adopted
1997 - Chris Farley dies
--Katie
In anticipation of the imminent expiration of our wedding web site's domain, we (meaning I) decided to start a family blog so that people can continue to read about our exploits if they choose. So EricAndKP.com will be alive and well until November, at which point this blog will become the primary source for your Brown family news.
For the inaugural post, I have decided to include some interesting, yet useless, information about us.
Interesting Anagrams of Katie's Name
I won't break
beatnik row
break in two
bear to wink
Bartok wine
tweak robin
twain broke
Interesting Anagrams of Eric's Name
I brew corn
brown rice
robin crew
crow brine
crew in orb
Exciting Events on Katie's Birthday
1815 - Napoleon Bonaparte exiled
1844 - Friedrich Nietzsche is born
1860 - 11-year-old constituent suggests Abraham Lincoln grow a beard
1924 - Statue of Liberty declared a national monument
1939 - LaGuardia Airport opens
1942 - Penny Marshall is born
1951 - I Love Lucy debuts on CBS
1953 - Tito Jackson is born
1959 - Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, is born
1964 - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., receives Nobel Peace Prize
1990 - President Mikhail Gorbachev receives Nobel Peace Prize
Exciting Events on Eric's Birthday
1777 - First national Thanksgiving day
1936 - First giant panda imported to the US
1947 - Steven Spielberg is born
1954 - Ray Liotta is born
1965 - Brad Pitt is born
1966 - Kiefer Sutherland is born
1996 - TV ratings system adopted
1997 - Chris Farley dies
--Katie
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