What do I do with Verbena?

This is the second year in a row that I'm killing it. Anyone? Erin, I know you read this sometimes....any thoughts on what to do with verbena? I left it in the full sun and watered it but not too frequently. My Southern Living gardening book didn't say anything about cutting the blooms...do I do that? I only had it a week and it started looking sour.

My new favorite month is April. Earlier I realized how much I love spring. I'm not sure if this is just a particularly beautiful one, but it has been such a perfect April weather-wise. Our plants are all growing...even the petunias (which is funny since those are annuals)...everything is beautiful right now.

Hmmm...so we went to Heather's on Sunday and that was nice. I had not seen Hugh since last summer, I don't think. Hugh is such an interesting fellow - he's so smart. Everytime he's around I try to take everything in.

Started the new job yesterday and I have been so extremely busy which is great. Learning all the details of the entire system...it's a bit overwhelming right now, but really interesting.

So, I said that I wasn't going to do anything more for the wedding until at least July, but I couldn't help stopping back by the bakery on Friday afternoon - I was in the neighborhood. We discussed and I think we can get something that I like but not exactly what I want for a reasonable price. I'm tired of compromising, though. I compromised on the date, on the dress, on the photographer, and now on the cake. Anyway, I'm picking up the samples on Thursday...here's hoping they're good.

I really only stopped bec I was craving cake...not bec I really wanted to talk about wedding stuff. I did try a buttercream petit four (spelling?) and it was quite nice.

I guess it's time for bed...I'm exhausted.

So, Mary and I ran the Chick Chase today. Got up at 6:30 and paid 25 bucks to run a 5k 3 mins slower than I usually do! Crazy. Hehe...and it's times like these that I realize how not photogenic I am.

It is a beautiful day here in Tennessee and it was quite a warm run...I wasn't expecing that. Thanks to Mary for getting up and running with me and thanks to Kevin for photographing us....it was a good time. Since it gets so warm here so quick, I doubt I'll run another until the fall. Maybe I'll run the Symphony Race again this year...that's a really flat one. I think it's the weekend before the wedding. But we'll see...I could probably be talked into another one...but I must start running outside a bit or at least putting an incline on the treadmill when I run. This course is a really flat one and even the minor hills kicked my butt....hence the 3 mins slower, I guess.

Get a blog!

NPR All Things Considered ran a story last night on the guy who wrote that college textbook On Good Writing: How to Write Non-Fiction or whatever that book is called. He was talking about how everyone wants to write their memoir and how terrible most of it is. He said that what separates the bad from the good memoir is the ability to see some light and grow from the experience. I say for everyone who hasn't yet moved on...get a blog!

So, today is Good Friday and the entire country has a holiday but those of us who work for the government...so I'm here...and I'm packing up. T minus 4 hours until I'm no longer an engineer. There have been no tears...hehe.

We went to the Lookouts game last night...good times, good times. I'm so happy for spring and warm weather and baseball games and outside events.

We are going to see Heather on Sunday. I'm really happy for that bec we've not seen her since January. I miss her....we don't get to see her enough. Tomorrow, I might run a race...we'll see.

We seriously need to get some yard work done. Our yard needs to be cut, we need to till up and mulch some more areas, and we need to plant some more stuff. I say "stuff" bec I'm not sure what we should/want to plant. Last year Ben threw together some pots for the back deck and they survived, so we were excited for that. In one of them, we have a beautiful little white flowering plant (with pink stripes). Last year it never flowered and it was such a pleasant surprise to see the blooms emerge a couple of weeks ago. I'm not sure what it is, but it's brilliant right now.

All right...I guess I better get back to packing up....

Only 3 more days left...

I ran last night and beat my personal best...and for the 5k beat 26 mins for the first time ever! I was ecstatic! Anyone who might come across this that is a better runner might scoff at that - but anyone must also keep in mind that I'm only 5'2"...running at 7.2 mph is a little difficult on these short legs. Anyway, that was very cool. I was very proud of myself. I should have run it faster, though...looking back on it, I definitely had the energy.

Special Conviction comes on tonight! Hooray! (I can't believe I'm hooray-ing for a TV show)

But first is class so I must go.

To Triathalon or Not to Triathalon...that is the question!

I've decided that I need a goal after grad school is complete, so I'm thinking about training for a baby triathalon. This would require an extensive amount of swimming on my part bec I was too poor as a kid to take swimming lessons, so I'm not exactly the most efficient swimmer in the world. I would also have to purchase a bicycle as I do not currently own one. But yeah, I think it sounds like a good idea. I think the mini-triathalons are a 6 mile run but I'm not sure about the biking and the swimming parts (maybe a half mile swim?). We'll see. Talked with a guy at work about it last week and I think he's got me talked into it. But not until after the masters is finished.

Ben made it home safely yesterday which is nice.

I can't believe May is almost here! K's getting married in like 3 weeks! Bobby is getting married in like 6 weeks! Jeff&Jess are getting married in like 5 weeks!

This is my official five day count down. Today I've been seriously going thru my desk/cube. How did I accumulate so much stuff??? There's so much to get done before Friday...

Paul was such a happy groom!

I did feel quite awkward, though. But Paul sent his sister over to talk to me and she was extremely nice. And living in such a small town, of course there was someone there I know. So, I talked with him and his family for awhile - they were a fun group.

Afterwards, continuing with my awkwardness, I went to the Chattanoogan and had a beer by myself at the bar. That was strange...I've never done that before. Anytime I've ever been someplace like that, I was waiting on someone else to arrive or some such. I think it's good for me to get out on my own like that a bit...instead of being a hermit if none of my friends are available. It's a shame, though...I was too early and there was no one to buy my beer for me! :-)

Anyway, so things went pretty well for Paul, but it turned quite cold right before the wedding (which was outside on the grounds looking at the river - ours will be up on the balcony instead if there are few enough people - and if it's still on). It never rained which was really good, but I, along with the majority of the women there, had chosen to wear a strapless dress - we were eyeing the men in suits with a desire to steal! Paul's wife was quite cute and she did such a lovely job with all of the planning. I appreciate her help with mine - she's definitely someone to take advice from.

I had a very difficult week. I'm not sure who all reads this - there have been several friends who have mentioned it - but just a forewarning that I might start another blog for my closest friends to read. Some things just can't be said to the general public and because of this I'm leaving off the details of the very difficult week. If I do start another blog for just random thoughts and leave this one just for wedding talk, I'll let those of you who have told me that you read this know what the new address is. We could be cool and trendy and all join myspace! I don't quite get myspace, though...but then again I'm not 16 either.

Hmmm...what else? I had a nice day yesterday. I bought new tennis shoes - boy did I ever need those. I go to this cool little running store here in town and they "fit" you for your shoes. They look at your wear pattern, they watch you walk and they look at the arch on your foot, then pick the most appropriate style from each shoe company for you to try on. I swear by this service. When I began running, I went through pair after pair after pair after pair of tennis shoes and nothing seemed right - I always blistered. Then one day I heard about this store and I went and bought *the* shoes. New Balance. I had always passed by NB bec I thought they didn't look "cool" enough....boy was I ever stupid! New Balance style number 766 in combination with Nike Dri-Fit mesh sock = a VERY happy running Stacey. I've never since had a blister. So, now when I go back to them - and yes I am loyal even though I could probably get the shoes for a whole lot cheaper at some random chain - I don't go through the whole walk/let them look at my arch thing. They still look at my wear pattern and they still tell me that they either think I should go up or down a size and what not....and I continue to buy the NB 766's. As long as I live in Chattanooga, I'll buy my shoes there.

I was pretty bad, actually...they say to go about 500 miles and then buy new shoes. The guy yesterday said the rule is actually 350 - 500. I've had that last pair for over 2 years...yuck...I'd say a conservative guess would be that I've run a minimum of 1200 miles in those. He said that once you start breaking down that middle part you expose yourself to joint pain in the knees and ankles. I'm anxious to give my new pair a go - probably not today bec I have a list of things I'd like to get accomplished - but tomorrow.

I also made it to Mia Cucina (the local cooking store) and Cynthia Howell's (the local stationer) and then I went to my chain for the day - Lowe's. I'm quite excited for spring and flowers and planting! So it's on my list to make a few decisions today and go back and buy and plant some things. I'll probably hit a nursery today, though. Those plants at Lowe's didn't look very nice.

Friday night - Las Vegas and Conviction were watched. We had terrible storms in TN that night - the whole state was in a tornado warning. I hear Gallatin got hit by some tornadoes - must call Mom today to make sure the fam is ok. And bec of all of this, with about 5 mins remaining on Las Vegas, the weather guy interrupted and I didn't get to see what happened! :-( So, I guess we'll have to download that one. I read that Conviction might get cancelled. That also gets a frowny face. :-( I really like that show.

I also read the other day that for every 2 hours of tv you watch per day, you have a 23% better chance of being obese.

Things have been rough lately, and I've been biting my fingernails again. They look rough. It's strange how a habit dies, but can start up again so quickly.

Anyway, it's been a nice weekend. I'm looking forward to more nice relaxing quiet Stacey time again today. Looking ahead at the week, things look ok. Have to go to class both nights this week, but nothing is due. I think there is actually only one more week of class after this week before finals start. That's comforting. Only two more classes left after these next few weeks are over and I'll officially have a Masters. Oh, and this is my final week in engineering at work. I started cleaning my cube out on Friday and had lunch with the new group for a member's b'day. They are quite nice.

I am struggling right now.

"Destiny isn't always like a party at the end of the evening. Sometimes it's nothing more than struggling through life from day to day."

Please keep me in your thoughts.

I have never eaten so terribly in all my adult life as I have in the past week. Mexican Friday and Sunday nights wrapped around Italian on Saturday. Additionally, I'm eating lay's potato chips right now...where did this come from? I never eat chips. It's almost like when I found out I had high cholesterol, I subconsciously gave up on my health and gave in to weird food cravings...although the Mexican fascination is all Ben.

I'm having a hard time going to class tonight. I don't have to go tomorrow night and Ben won't be in the one tonight so I'm wanting to not go, too. But, if I didn't go, then I should probably go to what Ben is going to...and that's just not what I want to do either. I want to go home and try that pan seared tuna recipe, dangit. We didn't cook on Sunday night like we always do, so I want to cook tonight.

I guess it's time to start packing up my cubicle...it's kind of weird. I've been in this desk for almost 4 years. At my new desk I'm going to try to be a bit more professional, so the memorabilia that I keep at this one has to go. :-( No pumpkin lights in the fall and no european 3 letter stickers to all the places I've been in recent years hanging up and no silly pics of Jess and I on the back of the boat or scary pumpkin awards from the time we had the pumpkin carving contest...etc, etc...

In brighter news, the hotel I'm staying at in Dallas for Bobby's wedding looks pretty cool. This is going to be one quick trip...I hope there are no delays at DFW bec I've timed it pretty close. I may show up to the wedding in my travel clothes.

It's weird going to two weddings this year single...Ben has been by my side these last two years. At least at Bobby's, I'll actually know people there...I'm a little iffy on Paul's...I'm gonna be that weird girl that no one knows and no one talks to! Hehee.

So, Mom came in yesterday and after her hair appt we went shopping. I spent wayyyyyy too much money and am thinking about ordering some shoes today...I'm stupid. Wonder if they can get here before Sat? Paul's wedding is Sat. and I've been thinking about going so that I can see first hand how the people handle the wedding (he's getting married at the same location we are)....I'm iffy bec Ben wil be out of town again and Jess can't go with me...so I'll have to be the single weird girl at the wedding. Anyway, I guess I need to wear a dress and one of the ones I purchased yesterday would be nice...but I need those shoes! Too bad we don't have a Rich's Macy's here.

So, I bought 4 dresses, 1 shirt, a necklace and a pair of earrings yesterday. I'm still iffy on fashion right now, though. What I bought is definitely the best of the best right now (at least at anywhere I can afford to shop) but the best of the best is still pretty terrible. I still don't know why white and black are so popular! As a blonde, I don't really care to wear black and white very much...they just don't look that great on me.

I guess I'm getting serious about car shopping again. I've deserved a new car for a really long time and have put buying one off bec I don't believe in financing. Last year, I paid off my student loans so that I could buy a car this year (March was the month I planned to buy) and then we got engaged...and now I have to pay for the wedding (thanks Mom and Dad for not offering even one penny to help.) Hmm...it's so hard to make this decision. Now that I'm going to make more money, it seems silly to not buy a car...don't I deserve this little piece of luxury? Gosh, I'm not even asking for luxury...I'm just asking for a Honda Accord! But the idea of making payments - paying interest - seems insane to me. When I was in the process of paying off my student loans, I was quite obsessive about the interest accrued - so much so that I would check every few days to see how many cents had been added onto what I owed. The day I paid it off was such a celebration! Knowing that, how can I justify going into debt again? I cannot and herein lies my dilemma. I drive a 1999 vehicle. It seems to be in pretty great shape. Why not keep driving it until after the wedding and then inflate savings once again and then save for a car once again? I guess that's what I'll do.

Sometimes I hate being so responsible! Eeerrrrgggghhhh! Instead of dropping my contributions to retirement, what am I doing? I'm increasing them again! Maybe I'll finally be able to afford that Honda Accord...hehehe... when I'm 65 and I've retired.

So the week is drawing to a close...that's nice. Mom is coming down tomorrow to get her hair done. And since it seems that everyone is finally putting their spring/summer stuff out, I'm sure we'll try to get some dresses this weekend for the upcoming weddings. Bobby's is so soon! It's only a little over 50 days away. I've been talking with Kim a bit over email...she is very nice. I like her. It's a shame they don't live closer so we could see them more often. Her daughter is just beautiful....they put up pics on their wedding website...what a cutie!

Ummm...what else? Did my final presentation the other day and that went well...they chose to buy my stock. Thanks to Ben for helping me pick it.

I found a recipe for a pan seared crushed black pepper tuna the other day that I want to try this weekend.

I'm in heaven with Pottery Barn's new spring/summer stuff! Got my catalogs the other day and they've gone paisley! Hooray! I've had a passion for paisleys ever since I picked out my invites. ..and that was well before I was even engaged.

I'm not as fond of fashion right now...whoever thought shrugs were a good idea is wrong. Only - and I really do mean only here - very tall, skinny girls look good in them. I am short so that leaves me out. However, that's all you see these days! Also, I love my tiered skirt that I bought a year and a half ago, but it seems like once the major dept stores caught onto to the whole "tiered is cool" thing, that's all they displayed. And every store is packed full of black and white...I'm a color girl! Give me greens and yellows and oranges, people! And then I read the other day that neutrals are the new thing. Neutrals? How boring is it to wear a variation of brown everyday? Yes, fashion is in a sad, sad state right now.

:-)

I haven't done this in a few days, have I?

I've been busy, and well I guess there's not much to report anyway. I have my last presentation for that one class tonight, and then for the rest of the semester I can just focus on the other class. That's a good feeling.

I found out yesterday that I have high cholesterol. Very high. It doesn't seem fair bec of all of the exercise I do and bec I actually eat pretty well for the most part. Pure genetics...gotta love heredity, don't ya? Apparently, though, my "good" cholesterol is really high - so it helps to counter the "bad" cholesterol - I'm learning here, guys...I didn't know these things until yesterday...so if this sounds rudimentary, please forgive me. The guy said if I didn't run as much as I do, my cholesterol would probably be over 300! Crazy. Must never stop running.

Things like this make me realize how old I really am. I feel so girly and young, but at the same time I know that I have to start thinking about cholesterol levels and high blood pressure and other medical undesirables.

It has me wondering...does all of this exercising and eating pretty healthy really do me any good? Or am I just doomed to a life filled with heart disease bec it trickles down through both branches of my family regardless of what I do or eat? (And, if I keep running, am I doomed to a life of heart attacks AND knee troubles?) And lastly, is it irresponsible to have children knowing that you're passing on horrible genes fraught with disease?

Someone I know is going through chemo right now, and I feel so terribly about it all. I found myself thinking this morning that I'm happier knowing cancer doesn't generally run in my family...the only thing we have to worry about is heart disease. Cancer is a whole lot scarier, isn't it? It could just show up...any random day...any random moment...in any random location. At least with heart disease you have indicators - not to mention the medicines that can help prevent further heart troubles. Yes, I do think that cancer is much scarier and even if my cholesterol is high, it could be worse...at least it's not an indicator of cancer.

On a brighter note, I think I'm going to buy that Ann Taylor dress this week...the colors are a little more mellow than I usually like, but it hasn't gone out of my head, so I must be meant to buy it. :-) I know it sounds superficial to switch gears like that, but I just can't end on such a sobering note....

So, like I said, when you're looking for a dress, you just can't find one, and well, I need at least three dresses, so yesterday's trip was obviously a failure. I went everywhere...every department store and every specialty store in this town....and nothing. Then, I randomly walk into Wet Seal...yes, Wet Seal... land of inappropriate clothing....a not so quiet little oasis in the mall packed solid with stretchy fabric, trendy colors, and barely there *insert any type of clothing here*. I actually found my favorite summer skirt there a couple of years ago - a cute light grassy green tulip shaped skirt and I wear it all of the time. Anyway, even though I found my favorite skirt there, I have never ever - EVER - found anything else there. But I go in there yesterday after a long day of shopping and find the two cutest dresses. Crazy.

I did find a fairly cute dress at Ann Taylor (yes, also surprising), but the colors just weren't me...they were too muted.

It's been a good day. I ran this morning, but not too far...and my knee is still ok. I'll try 3 or 4 miles again tomorrow..so glad things are getting back into order.

For once, I got all of the laundry done this weekend. Hooray.

We've been watching My Best Friend's Wedding tonight...I sure hope our wedding day isn't so fraught with melodrama.

I guess I need to give my dress off to a seamstress soon. It's silly, but I don't want to! I love my dress...I want it here, and I know that when I give it off, I won't get it back for months. :-(

I think my knee has healed....Hooray! I ran the 5k at my usual pace today and it didn't hurt one bit....this makes for a very happy Stacey. I think I'll lay off it tomorrow just in case, but try to run again Monday.

Ummmm....what else? I have my last assignment due in one of my classes on Wednesday...this has been a pretty nice semester. One easy class and one kinda difficult class. Over halfway through the semester...that also gets a Hooray! Only four months to go and I'll have my masters.

It's been cold here...we had that one nice weekend (it worked out perfectly - it was the weekend K had her shower and bachelorette party), but it's been cold since then. I think it's supposed to warm back up this week.

Going dress shopping today...have a few weddings to go to this summer. May is a busy month. Need to find cheap tix to Dallas for Bobby's wedding.

I really like that show Conviction. There's a girl on there that was on "I'm with Lucy" - this movie that made Friday night pedicure nights when I was single bearable.

Ummm...as far as wedding stuff goes, I had a mani/pedi last night and I had forgotten how talented my manicurist is. She's always organizing parties and doing flower arranging and what night, so I might use her to do my bouquet. We talked centerpieces, too...I've had so many ideas when it comes to centerpieces, so I have to narrow it down to what I really want to do. There are so many decisions to make - what kind of cloth to use for linens...what color of table cloths...what color of napkins...what color of chair covers...do we want ribbons on the chairs...if so what color....do we want ribbons on the ceremony chairs...if so what color...so many decisions...it's crazy! But I love making these decisions, so it's cool.

Still in a quandary over the china. Jess got a new china cabinet this week and I can't wait to see it...it's really got me thinking that I want something with more character than what I have picked out. Her china - handed down from her grandma - is pretty colorful and she says it's just gorgeous in the cabinet.

All right...I guess I'm off to shop for cute dresses...how come it always seems like when you need one you can't ever find it but when you don't, there are tons around?

Nothin' new with the wedding...

Nothin' much new in general. I have my release date, so I will start my new position in a little over 3 weeks...that is very exciting!

Expensive week: hair and mani/pedi appts.

I ran the 5k last night...I was a bit slower and my knee hurt slightly, but I think it was pretty ok. I'm not going to run tonight, and try again this weekend. Hopefully it's getting better. It does hurt just a bit today, though, but only a slight pain...nothing like last week.

It was rough..we got out of class at about 7:15 and I went ahead to Livewell...I think I was dressed and on the treadmill at 8PM exactly. It makes for a rough night being at livewell that late...by the time I get home and shower it's ten...and I haven't even eaten dinner yet. This is why I just can't go over there on class nights...since we usually get out right at 8. I wouldn't get into bed until 11 if I went on normal nights....and I like to workout, but I'm not that psychotic about it....hehe...

We don't have any plans for the weekend which is nice. Must do a bit of schoolwork, but other than that we're free to do whatever. Good feeling.

Pondering my registry picks...

Wouldn't it be cool if bridal registries were like amazon wish lists and you could rate how much you wanted each item? You are told time and time again that you should put entirely too much on the registry so that 1) there's a variety of price items on the list for people who want to spend different amounts, and 2) there are enough items on the list that everyone who wants to get you something has options. I have to say that I like every item on my registries, but at the same time there are definitely some things I'd rather have than others. This is why I think bridal registries should be like Amazon.

Also, I registered for Lenox china, but I'm not necessarily sure that I want it but am told that I should get it. But in all honesty, I'd much rather showcase in a china cabinet my Italian dishes that I brought back from Positano rather than the Opal Innocence Lenox dishes. They are beautiful and tons more meaningful than anything I could get at Dillards. Also, I picked a pattern that is not colorful bec I felt like my tastes significantly change frequently and that it would be a waste of money to get something colorful that I would tire of...but what if it's not me? It seems a bit stuffy. Oh, well...it's registered for. Maybe I'll take another look at the options...just in case. Oh, yeah...and the colorful dishes always look prettier than the plain ones when the lights are shining on it...another reason to reconsider. It's such a big decision! I'll have these dishes for the rest of my life! What if I make a mistake and detest the dishes in 3 years???

I also am having a bad time with registering...hehehe...I feel bad doing it. I put something on the list and remove it bec I think "nobody should buy me this...I feel bad for having it on here...I can buy it myself." And I've actually had to remove some items from my registries bec I bought them for myself.

Turns out, though, that none of these concerns really matters...I picked my groom and I know he's perfect...and that's what really counts.

I'm tired of having allergy related problems.

I'm also tired of seeing a Century 21 commercial in which a shrew of a wife convinces her husband that they should buy a new house...when people in this country keep going into debt beyond what they can handle. If it's irresponsible for tobacco companies to do what they do, then it's irresponsible for Century 21 to urge poor people into overburdening themselves with debt.

No updates on the wedding today, I don't guess.

My laptop made it home safely! Hooray!

Hehehe...ok..really Ben made it home safely. He got home really late last night...poor thing...a very long day of travelling for him. I had a good night, though. I went out for a bit with K&B and several others that I don't know very well. Everyone was really cool. It's been awhile since I've been out like that, so I'm glad I got a chance to. In other news, my knee is still feeling ok, but I'm gonna give it one more day of rest before attempting a run again. We'll see how that goes tomorrow. Got the RSVP cards, programs, placecards, etc yesterday in the mail. I realized yesterday afternoon that I ordered the wrong size RSVP cards...I wanted the really small cutesy ones, but accidentally ordered the next size up. Well, it was too late to change the order bec UPS tracking said they were out for delivery. I compared them to K's and Bobby's RSVPs when I got in last night and they're the same size as Bobby's and K's are only a little smaller so I think we're ok. If I had gotten the smaller ones, I probably would have thought they looked too small in comparison to theirs. Yea! It's March Madness!!!! It sounds like there is a heavy equipment race going on in my backyard. It's hard to be nice about the development when we wake up to the sound of heavy equipment in the mornings. Sushi tonight! YEA!!!! And lastly, I'm sooooooo glad B is home safely. I've missed him.

I get Ben back tonight! I'm so happy! About 10PM last night it really hit me how much I missed him and wanted him to come home.

Also, I did go work out..didn't run...just did elliptical...and my knee is in not too bad of shape...so that's good. It's a little worn out, but I think I might be able to do the elliptical for a few days and maybe it can heal at the same time. I think I'll try running again on Sunday.

I'm so tired of being lazy...

I do not understand how people can just go home after work...it is beyond me. Night no. 2 of going home was horrid. Absolutely horrid. I thought about renting some movies, but we owe quite a bit in late fees and it's Ben's turn to pay them so that idea was out. Then I thought about reading my book, but I always read when I'm working out, so it made me sad that I couldn't work out and that sort of ruined that whole idea. Obviously, I was without laptop, so playing online/wedding planning was out. So, I ate a bowl of cereal and sat down in front of the TV. All I can say is that there is nothing but crap on TV. TV is horrible, especially the 6-7PM range. Now, I must admit that after meeting Ben I started watching TV to a certain degree, but it's still not much and I'm quite picky. I could feel myself becoming less intelligent and my thighs getting larger last night. I do not know why anyone would subject their body to this physical and mental torture.

Do people really do this? Just go home and watch TV at night? I can't imagine...life has been so busy for so long, I just couldn't do that to myself.

What is this kid going to do tonight? Go work out. Yes, even though I am injured I'm still going to go. I can't take it any longer. My knee/leg is doing a bit better - I'm not limping when I walk anymore, but it feels like it could easily go back to being in pain. So, I've decided that I'm going to just get on the elliptical bec at least it's movement...it's much better than sitting on the couch.

While I had the TV on last night, that Biggest Loser show came on. I've always sort of liked that show. It usually comes on while I'm working out, so I'll take a peak at it now and again. I think it's really good for people that are probably just sitting at home doing nothing to watch those people. Last night while eating Reece's Pieces and sitting in the LaZBoy, I turned it on. How terrible is that???! I can see how easy it would be to gain tons of weight...I was so bored, eating the RP's sorta kept me entertained...this is frightening! I guess people just come home and eat while they stay sedentary after a full day of being sedentary at the office. Yikes! No wonder we have an obesity problem in this country!

So, after boredom and fright hit me, I decided that this lack of exercise cannot continue. I almost went to Livewell right at the moment. Here's hoping that I don't make my knee worse tonight. Anyone who reads this please have happy thoughts for the recuperation of my knee.

Ben comes home tomorrow...yea! I'm very excited for that, although I'm going to have a hard time giving up the parking place in the garage. It's supposed to be very pretty again tomorrow, I think, which is cool.

Slightly before Edward, the Scottish guy was lying across our table...

Jess, Stace & Trace on Saturday night...apparently I didn't get the memo that we were supposed to wear an aqua shirt and black sweater for the bach. party. :-)

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood...

...would you be mine? Could you be mine?

Are those the proper lyrics? For some reason, that's what's in my head.

Ummm....what? Oh, yeah...I've been so busy this winter that I haven't had a chance to watch one basketball game. Not one. And now it's March and I'm screwed. So, I'm looking at the bracket during lunch and I'm a little nervous. I always get nervous, though...this is why I don't gamble, people...I mean it's 2 bucks - maybe 3 due to inflation in recent years - but still, 2 bucks...and I bite my nails over this stuff. It's not the money actually, it's just that I usually do pretty well (even won it a couple of years ago) so I always have this fear that I'm going to just bomb one year. Hopefully it's not this year. Or next. Or ever, actually. Hehe. Anyway....GOOOOOOOO UCONN!

Let's see...what else? Oh, yeah, B is still gone. :-( I'm really starting to miss him now. At first it was really nice with the house being quiet and all, but especially since I'm injured and couldn't work out last night and can't tonight and since I really can't think of anything else to do, I think I'll just go home to the quiet of the house tonight....which is a little sad without B. (whew...big breath...that was one long sentence.) Although Mika makes things lively. I think he misses B, too, bec he's been sitting in my lap these last few days, and he never does that. His play buddy hasn't attacked him in oh, I guess 4 or 5 days now. He snuck into our bedroom last night, which was pretty entertaining. I didn't make it to bed until late, and knew he was probably in there (he's never ever allowed in), but after an unsuccessful search for him I decided to just go to bed. Stealth and quiet, he walked around the room, but I could hear his little paws sink into the carpet. I sleep by the window and I opened my eyes to see him trying to quietly jump up on the ledge. Hehehe...it was pretty funny...he panicked! Oh, no, he was caught! Big huge frightened Mika eyes stared back at me as he darted under the bed. Goofy cat.

Updates on wedding stuff: I sent the deposit to the photographer today. Yea! We have a photographer for real, now.

I guess there aren't any other updates besides that. Big things left are 1) get dress altered, 2) pick someone for music, 3) pick food from caterer, 4) figure out who's gonna sit where, 5) figure out flowers/florist, 6) figure out cake/baker. Is that it? I dunno. Probably not.

It's really tough to pick out music to walk down the aisle to, isn't it? Obviously, I do not want to use a piece as trite as Canon in D (bleh!) or some such equivalent. But, even as much as I listen to classical music, it's really hard to find the *perfect* piece. It seems I like the darker pieces (Dance of the Knights from Romeo and Juliet is one of my faves) which just aren't appropriate for such a light hearted event. There is a regal piece from The Royal Fireworks that I told B we might use for us walking out, but it's regal ...I just don't think it's appropriate for a balcony. I heard an oboe concerto (LeBrun) the other day that I also liked for us walking out...that seems to be an easier pick than me walking in, though. I need to start researching marches, I guess.

And, I'm rambling...

A sad, sad day...

I have hurt my leg. It sucks bec I've been running great lately. But I did something to the underside of my knee (are there tendons back there or just muscle?), and it hurts every time I take a step. I noticed the pain on Friday, so I didn't run again until last night, thinking that would be enough time for it to heal. Apparently, I was wrong bec about 5 mins into my run last night, it started hurting again. I finished my run (probably not the brightest idea in the world), and even did the stairclimber afterwards, but almost had to limp home. I hope this gets better soon...this is spring break...it's one of the only opportunities I have until after graduation where there's a full week available for working out. :-( I have been looking forward to this week so much.

In other news, since it's official, I guess I can announce to the world: I've been offered another job which I intend to accept. Still at same company, but leaving engineering to go to the CFO. I'm extremely excited!

I'm having serious laptop withdrawals...

...and the desktop just doesn't cut it. I cannot believe I've become so dependent on it! Me! Miss "I never bought a computer until I was 27 years old" is suddenly dependent on it. Serious withdrawals...serious withdrawals...

I bought "the" bathing suit on Saturday. (It's awesome - it's Guess and it's cream with pretty Hawaiian looking flowers on it and tipped in chocolate - so super cute.) I say "the" bathing suit bec there always seems to be just one amazing one each year - but I'm gonna try to find another "the one" and keep this one just for the honeymoon (have I mentioned how much in need of a vacation I am and I can't wait for the honeymoon??? Oh, yeah, update - we're thinking about stopping in Vegas on the way to Hawaii..that'll be fun...but not decided yet). I'm such a bathing suit addict. I got rid of 5 or so last year, and I noticed when I added the new one this weekend that I have ten of them. I also got a Ralph Lauren cover up thingee that's pretty cool...most of those things are kinda tacky, but this one is really cute...it's a halter style...I've never seen one anything like it...Glad I happened upon it. I truly believe that you have to get your bathing suit and accessories during March at the latest. Otherwise, you're just out of luck - all of the cute stuff is gone by April.

K's tea and bach. party went well on Sat. K got all kinds of cool stuff! The English Rose is super cute, and I was excited to find that I can buy flakes for Ben here in Chattanooga. I can't believe I forgot about that place when I was searching for them in December.

I can't wait to have a shower! I'm not sure where we'll do the family one in Nashville...the family is so big it's hard to find a place. I'll have to start looking around soon, I guess. I hope I can find some place as cute as the English Rose, though. We're debating on a couples shower for friends...I think it would be a whole lot of fun and it would give us an opportunity to see some people we've not seen in awhile before the wedding. Anyway, that's still undecided as I wouldn't mind having the opportunity to just hang out with my girlfriends, too. We'll see.

This is why dreams can be such dangerous things...

...they smolder on like a fire does, and sometimes consume us completely.

I like that line...it's from Memoirs. There was another one...a funny one, but I can't seem to find it.

Ummm....I had some crazy dreams last night. First I dreamt that I was in a house and my mom was there, and some aunts, too, I think. And my dad and uncle were outside. And while everyone inside was talking, I was looking off outside out of a huge window that faced a large open field. It grew darker outside until I noticed a funnel shape forming from some dark clouds out in the distance. I screamed that there was a tornado coming but no one believed me. After a few secs everyone finally paid attention and we struggled to get my dad and uncle inside before it came...and we all tried to hide in closets...but the one I chose had a window in it and I didn't realize it until it was too late to try to find another (where do I get this stuff??? A window in a closet???) So, then the tornado comes through, and we all come out of our closets (I swear, I love my fiance, this is not some metaphor like Tom Cruise on South Park) and figure out that everything is ok. We look out the window to analyze the damage and realize another one is coming. We hide again, come out and everything is ok. And then we realize again that another is coming...this goes on five or six times until the house we're in starts falling apart. So dad says we should go somewhere else to seek beter shelter. We drive, screeching tires in our rush, and reach some friend of dad's house. It's nothing more than a broken down shack with used cars in the front yard (my parents don't even know people like this), and we go in expecting more tornadoes. I scope it out to check for closets, and notice there are none...just a big room with a high ceiling and a loft area. Suddenly someone screams and yes, it's another natural disaster...but no it's not another tornado. Instead, a humongous wave 15 feet or so high is quickly approaching. We all try to climb to the loft, but the steps are old and broken...some fall away under the weight of us all. I make it to the top...and there's only a 2 foot by 1 foot or so platform to stand on. Some others make it to the loft area, but some get carried off by the wave. When the wave recedes, another one comes. And then another and another and another and another. Slowly, the weathered boards pull away and I know it's only a matter of time before I will wash away with them. And then I wake up.

So, that was a really interesting start to the day. Things went rather well today. Work went well, and on the way home I stopped at the grocery store to get food for K's pre-bachelorette festivities tomorrow night...oh, my gosh, I'm so happy it's spring! The grapes and strawberries are just wonderful right now.

So, then I came home...and lo and behold my dress was on the front stoop! Hooray! I tried it on, and it's still quite big...so I'm definitely going to have to have it altered. I can't believe how large these wedding dresses are! I think they do it on purpose bec that way they think they get to charge you massive alterations charges. Otherwise, besides at Ann Taylor, I am not a size 0.

Anyway, so here's the story to my wedding dress, now that I've gotten it and I know it's ok. I actually bought my dress on Ebay. Yes, Ebay...land of the online yard sales. Jess found it for me on there; she got the idea bec she sold hers on there. Anyway, so I got it for less than half of what it was in the store. It was kind of cool...I couldn't believe how easy it was to find it...and in the right size. The girl wore it on her wedding day last November and decided to sell it one week after I had tried it on in that store in Atlanta. Well, that's not exactly how the story goes, actually. The first dress Jess found was the same dress...but it was a size 4. The auction had 9 days left on it. With about 3 or so days left, Jess checked again...and voila! There was another one...and it was in a size 2! So, after some deliberations, we decided to just go ahead and do the "Buy it now" thing (thankfully, that hadn't been an option on the size 4 or I probably would have bought that one, and it would have been a tent). The girl was sweet...she included a card that had a pic of her and her husband on it while they danced at the wedding and she wrote "Good Luck" on the back. So, my second experience with Ebay turned out quite well. The dress is beautiful, albeit a bit big, but I'm happy I got it for the price I did. Hooray!

Now, don't get me wrong...I'm still gonna look for that other poofy dress and try to wear them both. We'll just see how that works out. Jess actually found that dress on Ebay, too...it sold for less than 400 (it was 1250 at the store) and the girl that sold it lived in Hixson. Ok, if you're not from this area, you don't understand, so I'll explain. Hixson is on my drive home to Soddy. I thought that was kind of weird. Unfortunately she sold it on the Monday after I went shopping in Atlanta, and we hadn't even looked at Ebay as an option yet. So, here's hoping another one will pop up...somehow I doubt it will be 8 or so miles from my house, though.

Sooo....I got my dress! I got my dress! I got my dress! I got my dress! I got my dress! I got my dress! I got my dress! I got my dress! I got my dress!

:-)

So, things are moving along.

Ben leaves for CO tomorrow, so I probably won't be blogging as much for the next week or so as he is taking my laptop with him. How am I going to live without my laptop for a full week? I've grown so dependent on it...it's my security blanket! How can I live without the ability to shop at only cosmopolitan stores, unavailable in Chattanooga? How can I live without the ability to find out neat facts on the "interesting-net"? (Thanks to my future sister in law for that one!) How will I live without easy access to weather, news, blogs and other daily requirements???

Anyway, I guess I'll run now...Ben is wanting to go to dinner...

Just thought I'd add the pic of the balcony that we're hoping to get married on. As long as the wedding stays small, we should be able to do it...

We'll be standing where I was when I took the pic, and the guests will be seated in twos along each side behind us. For fifty people, we're thinking it will go about halfway down the balcony. It will be a long walk for me...there's a door that opens out onto it at the other end of the balcony...I hope I don't trip!

Today is a good day!

It has been such a wonderful week....oh, my gosh...I can't even explain right now.

All I'll say is the really big stuff that has been going on has finally ended, and it ended well. I'm ecstatic!

I am so giddy, I just don't know what to do with myself...I can't stop smiling. This is how I felt when I found out Brenda was pregnant. What joy! A much different kind of joy, but what joy.

My dress shipped today!

YYEEEEEAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!

Ok...so they're clover mites...

...but I don't care because....We got our invites! We got our invites! We got our invites! We got our invites! We got our invites! We got our invites! We got our invites!

And they are beautiful.

Ben said that I have impeccable taste the other night...that was a very nice compliment. I'm glad he likes the invites as much as me...I guess it goes beyond the invites, though...he tends to like my taste no matter what we're discussing.

Now, if I can just get my dress!

Ok...it has been a long, long day and I am exhausted....I'm gonna hit the hay.

So, these last few days have been busy. After the post on Sunday, I discovered little red bugs on the windowsill...so we've been working on getting rid of those. Hopefully some guy from the county agriculture dept will call me back today to tell me what these bugs are and how to get rid of them - and whether they are what is bothering Mika (instead of him being crazy, like we thought :-) ).

The invites are on a truck to be delivered today. Yea! Hopefully, we won't have to sign for them, and they'll just leave them on the front stoop, but who knows? It seems to be at the discretion of the driver, doesn't it? Some leave it, some make you go to the warehouse to pick it up.

I have not heard any information on the shipping of my dress, though. This is bothersome. I hope to hear something soon. I'm still not sure about it...I still want that other one as well. I feel like it could be a huge waste of money (especially for someone on a budget) to have two dresses (also especially for such a small wedding), but really that's what I want. Big fun girly dress for wedding, sexy comfortable dress for reception.

K's shower & bach party are this weekend...should be a good time. Also, Ben is leaving to go to CO. Next week is spring break, and boy does he ever need it.

Anyway...not much to say...busy, busy...must get back to work...

The Cat is Crazy....seriously.

Yesterday, I had to take Mika to the vet. That part of the day sucked, as Mika is not a good car traveler. However, he did pretty well this trip...there was no puking or other uncontrollable bodily functions that messed up his carrier. I had to take Mika to the vet not for his yearly visit, but rather bec we're having a problem. It seems the cat has of late been excessively cleaning his paws...to the point that he's losing his fur on them. Now, anyone who knows me well knows the whole "how I got Mika" story, and knows that he had a severe case of ringworm (from ears to tip of tail, not joking). So, I was a little concerned that somehow the ringworm had healed but laid dormant for all of these years, returning only about a month ago. Well, the vet checked him out and the black light showed no signs of ringworm. So, she said that it can be one of two things: 1) the cat has developed some allergy (I use the word "developed" bec as far as I can remember, there have been no changes in his diet or surroundings, or 2) the cat is obsessive compulsive, and it has only just started to show. First we have to try to treat the cat for allergies, and if it doesn't stop we know that the cat is actually crazy. I've been suspecting this all along...hehe. Anyway, she gave him a steroid shot and said to give him a week...noticing if he is going psycho on his paws still. Got him home, and apparently steroid shots make tiny cats really sick, bec he puked not once, but three times. Yes, three. Poor guy. Poor mommy for having to clean it up. Yuck. Anyway, here's hoping that he gets better and that he doesn't have to take prozac, like she said he might.

We had discussed before I left making a trip down to atl, and even though I felt really, really crappy when I came home, Ben still managed to convince me to go. So, off we went to Atlanta. I slept for most of the trip, after taking a couple of Benadryl before we left. We got there and I found cute silver sandals for the spring/summer, Ben bought some shoes/slacks, we registered at Crate and Barrel, and picked up a present for Kara and Brye at C&B. Had dinner at this place called Twist that Kara's friends had introduced me to while on my dress shopping trip to the atl a few weeks ago. Yummy. They do a pretty mean philadelphia roll there.

Speaking of wedding dresses....I had a horrible dream last night that I got my dress and it looked horrible on me. Now, I've tried the dress on, so you would think that this was a silly dream, but I awoke thinking, "well, they didn't exactly have my size when I tried it on, so what if I get the proper size and it doesn't look as good as I thought it would?" Anyway...we'll see.

Hooray! This is the beg of the week that I should receive my invites and my dress!!!!!

So, Ben had that horrible week last week with 2 tests, a take home test, and a 10 page paper all due, on top of having tons of work to do at work, right? Well, poor thing, the week actually got worse for him bec he had a terrible cold on top of it all. He hardly went to work last week. I felt so bad for him.

But, and hopefully I'm not sounding too selfish here, I knew that if he was sick, I was sure to get it. Yesterday, I felt horrendous. Today, I actually feel ok, but with that weird allergy related "feels like someone punched me in the face" symptom. It's annoying, but I can function as a normal being with it...the bad part of it is that I am pretty much certain of developing a sinus infection when I experience one of these. So, I hit the livewell this morning so that I could get in at least one good workout during the calm before the storm. I actually had a really great 5k, but limited myself to just 4.5 miles in total....just in case I was making myself worse by exerting too much energy. I did get on the stairclimber afterwards (ya know...to reach 700 cals), and read a bit of my book. I'm about a fifth of the way through it...and while I'm really interested in the story, I have a hard reading about undeserved punishments/slavery/being held captive/etc., and I am most definitely not fond of rape. Not that rape has been detailed thus far, but it's obviously going on and it makes me feel bad. Ben gets mad at me bec during most movies and most books, I say "I don't like this." He says I'm being negative. In actuality, if a book or movie can move me in such a way that I feel terribly, it probably means it's pretty good. Anyway, having said all of that, I don't know if this book is moving, but I do feel for the main character. Ben would say "It's just a book", but really these things did happen...so while it is fiction, it is fiction that represents what really went on...and that makes me sad...therefore I say that I don't like it.

When I don't have really big things going on during the week, I really like Sundays. Today is one of those likeable Sundays. I usually run out and do a little shopping, go to the grocery store, and then Ben and I usually cook dinner together. I'm not sure if we'll do that tonight or not, as the dishwasher pump seems to be inoperable at this time. Did I mention this in an earlier blog? The fact that I learned about dishwashers last week with a hands-on lesson? Good times, good times, let me tell ya. Anyway, typical Sunday here...lots of laundry to do...a little house cleaning...etc.

It was amazingly warm on Wednesday and Thursday of this week, which was awesome. I hope the weather turns back this week. It was so much fun to wear cute sandals and flip flops for a few days even if my feet weren't pedicured or blister proofed for it.

Anyway, I guess I'm rambling...I should probably go fold some clothes and clean a bit before heading out to run a few errands.....

Look at me....I'm blogging!

So, here I am again...this is almost a daily thing these days. I finally took a peek at the Eproof of our invites and I must say that they are unbelievable! Even Ben seemed rather pleased with them. At the first bakery I went to yesterday, the guy asked me what my colors were, so I took out my invite to show him and he said "these are just groovy". That made me happy. He seemed sincere, so I hope he was. I'm a little nervous about reactions to my very non traditional (although rather beautiful) invitations.

I used Martha Stewart's guide on how to word the invites, but I put in our middle names. It said not to, but I did it anyway. It sounded so abrupt otherwise.

I can't wait to get my dress! I can't wait to get my invites!

My tough thing today went pretty well.

Is it bad that I'm really excited for Las Vegas tonight? Only a few more mins!

Ok, I'm boring, so I'm gonna run...

I bought a dress today...

Yep, things are moving along. I bought one. I still like another, so I might buy it too and wear them both.

Did I mention the fact that I bought a dress today?

It has a story with it, and I don't think I'll tell it now, bec I'm tired and want to go to bed - need to go to bed to prepare for another big day tomorrow, actually.

But, I bought a dress!

Ummm...what else? Oh, yeah, so I went to two bakers and well that didn't go so well. The first guy said he could do it but recommended someone else and she said she could do my tiny cake for 80 people tops for $1200....ummm...yeah, no. What happened to those prices they quoted me on the phone?

I had a test earlier in the week...I didn't study enough...I probably made a B, but I don't care bec 1) I'm getting married, and 2) I got a dress today! Usually not getting an A really upsets me, but not this time.

Also, I've been holding back on putting something about this in here, but I feel I must today. Who is looking at my wedding website 3 times a day? It kinda creeps me out a bit, but really the site gets 3 hits a day during the week. This is beyond random, bec it is 99% of the time exactly 3 hits, and ONLY on weekdays. On weekends, there are no hits. Also, I've noticed others' websites don't consistently get hits like mine does (ones that make their counters public). So, it makes me wonder...is it one person that is checking it out 3 times a day, or is it 3 people that are checking it daily? It just seems like a waste of time to me...does anyone really think that I update the website daily? Anyway, I hope I'm not hurting anyone's feelings here, but I think this seems a bit excessive...I have more thoughts on that, but yeah, I'm afraid I'm going to hurt someone's feelings. It just freaks me out a bit that someone wants updates daily on the website.

And the people closest to me don't need to check it, that's what freaks me out the most, I think. If I knew it were someone that was totally involved with the wedding (like if I had bridesmaids or something), then it would make sense for them to check it often. But 1) I don't have anyone like that and 2) the people that would be those people talk to me on pretty much a daily basis anyway, therefore creating no need to check the site daily...and I know that neither Ben's nor my family is psychotic enough to check it this often...they would just call or email us if they wanted to know something. So it makes me feel like someone is spying on me. I have my suspicions about who this person or people could be, and it just freaks me out.

I have lots to say about that. Someone a long time ago - someone that meant a lot to me - had a blog that that person sent me to read. So, I read. That person forgot that they sent it to me and proceeded to say some horrible things about me - it was a total betrayal by someone that was supposed to be my closest friend. What a bad experience. Someone that you think is truly a very close and intimate friend of yours and they say horrible things about you behind your back. In contrast, I pride myself on loving my friends...I hope to never write anything bad about someone on here, bec that's just not me. Having said all of that, I really hope that I'm not hurting anyone's feelings. If you are checking the website daily and you are not psycho, then please let me know so that I can stop being anxious about it and bec I'll know that I didn't hurt anyone's feelings.

Anyway....I bought a dress today!

I can't wait to get it. I hope it fits. They measured me and said I was between a size zero and a size two (what do the really skinny girls do?), so I got the size two. The store only had a size eight to try on, so I'm a little worried. It's pretty slinky....yea! I got my sexy dress.

Ok. On that note, I'm going to go to sleep now...I'm exhausted.

We have invites!

Yes, I made decisions! 5:30 p.m. it is. The font is decided upon. The wording is set. I get my E-proof tomorrow. Hooray, we'll have invitations soon! I wholeheartedly support local businesses, but unfortunately, our local stationer couldn't do thermography on the brand of invites that I want... so yes, I had to go to the internet. Sorry, local stationer. (It's a great store by the way if you want something more traditional - Cynthia Howell's, if anyone ever reads this that's in the area).

Otherwise, I guess there's not much going on. Oh yeah, there was another development today in the dress. The slinky dress, that is, not the full one. Still working on the full one. Anyway, happy dress thoughts, people....happy dress thoughts.

Ok...on that note, I think I'm going to run...I'm very sleepy.

Same night in a silly hat/wig shop...isn't this the most hilarious thing ever?!

So this is us last Mardi Gras...what a fun night....we were in Breck.

I'm so tired of studying...

...both today and in life in general. When will all of this education end? In August, I finish the MBA, but shouldn't I take the PE after that? That's gonna be hard core studying for at least 4 months. I've read that you should study 40 hours a week every week for 4 months to prepare for the PE. That's a big commitment. I just can't wait for all of this stuff to be over and done with.

It's sort of funny that I complain about it, though, seeing how as I really want to pursue a doctorate someday. I really won't mind that...bec with the doctorate I will not be working full time and then going to school at night. Nope, I will just be dedicated to the doctorate...for 5 years. Hopefully, it will be worth it. I never would have thought 10 years ago that I might pursue a doctorate in business...I was such a little engineer back then. Well, maybe not yet...I was actually still in high school ten years ago right now...and didn't even know that I was going to get an eng. undergrad degree. Crazy how things turn out.

So, yeah, I have my 10 year high school reunion this year. So does Ben. He doesn't want to go to his, but we'll probably go to mine. It's actually really bad timing for us, since they will probably occur right when we're at our busiest this summer...and since we both live in towns that we didn't grow up in and will have to travel to get to them. At least we're not too far away.

Speaking of "home", I miss Nashville quite a bit....this has been building for about 6 months, now. I have been wanting to move home...weird, huh? I know that I won't - life isn't taking me there right now - but sometimes, I just wish I could go back. Also, I've been thinking lately that I would love to move to Atlanta....but again, life is not taking me there right now. Where are these thoughts coming from? I guess Chattanooga is getting a bit old.

I am going to purchase my second item from ebay today. I'm a bit reluctant to "ebay" as I feel it's America's big yard sale (at least for anything that I might purchase). But today there is something that I want and I'm going to try to get it. The first thing I bought was some Crate and Barrel dishes a few months ago. They arrived fine and what not, but I thought it was weird how the social aspects of the whole thing worked. The woman pretty much said "You need to leave positive feedback for me in so many days or I am going to leave bad feedback about you. If you leave bad feedback, I will also leave bad feedback." Hmm....it seems to me like no one would ever really want to leave bad feedback bec then that person is going to turn around and leave bad feedback for you therefore, how can you really trust anyone? In the C&B dish woman's case, it seemed as if I was being threatened into leaving her outstanding feedback, when she only did the minimum required....which seems silly. Those are just my thoughts though...and what do I know? Apparently, there are a whole lot of people that live by ebay.

Hopefully, my second attempt will be a better experience.

Ok, so I was super lazy yesterday and didn't order the invites or contact the photog. But that's ok...we still have over 6 months to prepare for the wedding. Currently, I have 2 very big things going on this week...and I need to focus on them.

Aggregate planning can get very confusing at times.

And lastly, I cannot believe it is 5 already....it's been a short day...but thank goodness it's almost March and that it's still light out until after 6PM. I think we're supposed to have some nice weather in the next few days....in the 70's, maybe? Yea! I can't wait for spring and cute skirts, dresses, sandals, etc.

Mmmmmm....I finally got some thin mints!

Ok...so Anthropologie is killing me right now...they have about $1500 worth of skirts and dresses that I'm dying for. Ugh. Don't they know I have a wedding to pay for? I can't go on a shopping spree right now...they are just evil to introduce the best spring/summer collection ever this year. Evil, I say!

Also, I was an idiot last night...but, all I can say is: good times, good times.

Still no studying done for the test. I am being a bad MBA student this weekend. I think that I actually only have 4 tests left total. 2 for the prods/ops apps class and 2 for the elective I'll take in the first summer term. That last class in the second summer term is a business simulation class and I'm pretty sure that there are no tests in it. Thank goodness I'm so close...I've about had it with test taking. I really, really need a break.

Mom and Natie came down yesterday...that was fun. We took him to the aquarium. That new part with the butterflies is really cool....I think he had a really great time. He's so big now...inches taller than me. He looks like he's about 14 or 15, not 11. He's a really good kid...he opened doors for me..I thought that was very sweet and good training. Of course he takes after his aunt Stacey....hehe...he's very smart. I was quizzing him on the elements....he did very well, identifying Fe, Au, and others. He knew the way the periodic table worked with reactive versus non reactive and understood electrons and valences and what not. I was quite impressed.

I've been thinking the last few days about how you have such a little amount of time to make an impression on people. Sometimes, it's a really short time in respect to your lifetime...it might actually be a year that you have to make your impression (or several years for that matter), but you screw it up...or circumstances are weird...or your connection to that other person is through a link that isn't good. I'm not sure that I'm explaining myself properly. I guess what I've been thinking about is how I have at certain times in my life been a spoiled brat. Not a spoiled brat in the sense that I was monetarily taken care of and expected things to be bought for me. No, I actually mean "spoiled brat" in the sense that I was careless, insensitive, and totally self involved. During these times I have obviously encountered many people...close friends, friends of friends, and complete and total random strangers. What must some of these people thought of me??? I can only imagine. I also can only imagine what they tell others. I cringe at the thought of my ex boyfriend telling his wife some stories about his past relationship...she probably thinks I was a horrid witch bec I broke up with him over the phone. I think I'm a horrid witch for having broken up with him over the phone! Anyway,I have made a decision to try to make amends for those broken relationships...at least the ones that I can fix. I am not going to seek people out, but if I should happen to encounter them, I am going to apologize for my wrongdoings. I feel certain the Stacey that I am now leaves a much better impression than that one from a few years ago...at least I hope so. I like to think that all these years I've been kind hearted for the most part...so hopefully even with my not so good moments, others at least saw that come through.

Hehehehe...it kinda sounds like that Earl show, only a little less proactive.

Check it out...I'm "cheffin' it!"

Hehehe...I made this word up tonight...while passin' by a building being built and it had some chefs in their white coats in there..amongst all that construction work...and I said, "hey..what are they 'cheffin'?'" It's stuck...it is our new word for "to make" or "to do"...aka "chef". Hehehe...yeah, after one pomegranate martini and many heinekins, I'm still lauging at that one.

So, why am I really writing a blog? It is because I actually signed a contract today...Yes, non-committal Stacey...Miss "I can't commit to you or marry you or give you my phone number or give you my address, most definitely can't give you my love, can't give you any promise that this is going anywhere" Stacey signed a contract...not only did I agree to marry Ben (Hooray!), but I also signed a contract with TN River Place and gave them a deposit. Yes, it is official...we are really getting married... money has been paid and that's a big deal for me.

So, tomorrow, even though I really need to study for a test, I will probably contact Stephanie, the photographer, and also buy the invites. Crazy. We're really getting married...how did this happen? Two people who were confirmed singletons...and I guess they fell in love. Well, at least this one did. I love Ben with all of my heart. :-)

Anyway...so that's that...our official date is really September 21st...so should we do it at 5:30 or 6:00PM? That's the only decision I have to make before I order the invites...

Yea! We're on our way...hehehe....we're 'cheffin'' it!

Hehehe....and I'm a feelin' really good....

I am currently Thin Mint-less...

...not bec I bought 3 boxes and ate them all last night, but actually bec I had no cash on me so I thought it best to not stop and waste my time. So, I'm gonna get cash today and then pick some up this afternoon. This should force me to work out after work once again, so that's cool. I don't think I'll be able to work out tomorrow, though, bec Mom is coming in to get her hair done. I think I'm going to take her by the site while she's in.

Got the invite to my brother's wedding yesterday....they sent it really early...the wedding isn't until the end of May. But it's cool.

Still undecided on the dress...and what sucks is that the silk shantung has gone on sale...it's 55% off...I've emailed the seamstress back to ask for how long. Must make up mind soon, apparently. And, well, I found the other dress online for much cheaper...here's hoping that I'm able to get it.

Mmmmm....lean cuisine classic five cheese lasagna. I am the most boring lunch person ever...I always have this for lunch...every day of the week. There are random days like yesterday when I eat out, but for the most part, I really do eat these five days a week. I'd hate to know what harm I'm causing my body by it...I'm pretty sure anything in excess is bad for you.

I'm so glad the Olympics will be over tonight! Thank goodness. I've had enough. Ben is addicted to it...every night he stays up super late watching. It's funny...he knows like every rule to every sport and the major players in all of the events. It's cute.

Think I'm gonna sign the contract for the site this weekend and turn it in with the deposit, then contact the photog and put her deposit down, order the invites, and if I must make a final decision on the dress, put whatever deposit down that she wants. It will be one expensive weekend!

More random thoughts...

1. I never remembered what the last thing on the list was from yesterday.
2. I did run last night and had a great 5k. I've been running longer these days...after the 5k, I continue to run for a total of 45 mins...so it averages about 5.5 miles. It feels great. But the real part of the story is that I *finally* got a new book this week...so no more Brangelina reading in US Weekly, thank goodness. I got Memoirs of a Geisha. It's pretty long, and since I'm running longer and not on the stairclimber as much, I think it's going to take me awhile. I hope it's good...at the bookstore, the first paragraph captivated me even though I'm not usually too interested in Asian culture...so we'll see how it goes.
3. Went to the CFA meeting today during lunch...that was really good. A VP from the Atlanta Fed spoke...he was quite interesting. I have encountered two Doctors of Economics recently, and they both have intrigued me....they are such unique people...I really enjoy hearing them speak.
4. I'm underbudget on cake & stationary...hooray! But I forgot to budget tax on the site, so they cancel out.
5. Ok...I was trying to keep my political opinions out of this blog...I mean, c'mon, it's a blog about a wedding...but all I can say is: Damn the South Dakota legislature. Damn them. This country is going downhill...we are moving back in time. Ok, before I get too angry, I will let it go.
6. It could be worse...I could live in Darfur or the Congo.
7. Speaking of Africa, did I already mention in the blog before that The Constant Gardener is a superb movie?
8. And finally, I am going to buy Girl Scout cookies this afternoon. Yes, after my rant about health and working out and what not last week, I am caving in to the goodness of thin mints. Mmm....I LOVE thin mints. I can't wait. At least I'm going to run again tonight...I deserve a sleeve or two of Thin Mints after that! :-)

A few random thoughts..

1. Class is cancelled tonight and I'm going to the CFA luncheon tomorrow instead. That is very cool. I'm going for a run. Yea! I never get to run on Wednesday nights.
2. That new lemon flavored toothpaste is awesome. I love it. Why didn't Crest think of this sooner?
3. Ice dancing was the coolest sport at the Olympics...I mean, those outfits were so fun. (Hopefully, I'm not tacky since I just read an article on cnn about how the ice skaters' outfits were too outrageous this year...but I don't think they included ice dancing in that bec the ice dancers have to have outrageous outfits to fit in). I was very happy for the "American" couple, even though the girl is really Canadian. They were both super cute. Too bad about all those falls that one night, though...that one Canadian girl looked like she was in awful pain. Poor thing.
4. Have I said that my brother is also getting married, yet? He is getting married in May.
5. I got samples from paper-source last night for RSVP's and other inclusions/program type cards. So, I think the invites are all figured out now....invites from paperstyle and other stuff from paper-source. I must say that the colors are quite stunning. :-) Here's hoping that people like (or at least accept if nothing else), my unique invites.
6. Decision (Indecision?) 2006: The bigger dress is still winning. Maybe not by as much as before, but still winning.
7. Ok...there was another recommendation that I had, but it is eluding me now...but I swear it was a good one...

A Tale of Two Gowns...

Once upon a time, there was a girl named Stacey who was fair and honest and good. She was going to the ball and needed a dress fit for a princess...would she find it?

Ok...so K and I went to see little Evan yesterday morning! Yea! He is just precious...soooooooo tiny. He has a head full of very dark locks and makes the sweetest noises. Hehe...Rockey and Brenda couldn't identify him while he was in the nursery....that was pretty funny. They seem so excited and so happy....I'm so happy for them...what exciting times these are!

So, after the hospital visit, K and I were off to Atlanta. M.Sweet kept calling for opening appts as it seems the social elite of the Atl don't like to come out when the weather is sour. So, we hit Bridesmaid Bowtique first and had an appt at M.Sweet a few hours later. First and foremost, I have to say that the name Bridesmaid Bowtique is a horrible one...don't judge this place based on that name. Don't go to the website, either. Just take my word for it...if you like Watters bridal gowns, then you will like this place. They pretty much have the whole Watters line. Soooo...I tried on, I dunno, maybe 8 or 10 gowns/dresses...and I fell in love with two of them. Yes, two. I wish I could put the pics up here but I'm afraid that Ben would accidentally see. These dresses are black and white...night and day...yin and yang...can I think of any more cliches? Umm...not at this late hour, no. One is a poufy skirt....with a huge train...fitted strapless regular neckline bodice that opens up into that wonderful skirt. The dress is silk shantung or silk organza or something along those lines, and the full skirt has random gathers all over it. It's amazing in its princess like feel. I think you can see it on the Watters website - I think it's style 5053B...but I could be wrong here. In contrast, the other "the one" could be mistaken for a prom dress...it's ribbon taffeta with spaghetti straps. It is super low cut in the front and shamefully low in the back...I LOVE IT! It's exactly the sexy dress I've been looking for since I've begun dress shopping. It's so sexy and low that the size 8 that was ginormous on me was showing my underwear even with the pins...thank goodness for boyshorts...otherwise, I would have been obscene in the store. :-)

So, what to do? I felt so hot in the sexy dress, but felt the pics look like I'm just going out for a night on the town. I felt like a princess in the big dress and the pics were absolutly gorgeous - but at the same time, the dress was a little "not me". What to do...what to do? I'm so confused.

I can say this...most people are saying they like the big poufy dress. I had the pics developed (for some reason, I just HAVE to have my prints made, even though it's all digital...there's just something about having a real copy...I dunno why...I just like having them). Anyway, when I went to pick them up, the girls at Wolf said "Ok...we weren't trying to look at your pics, but we noticed they were from wedding dress shopping and we just wanted to tell you that this big poufy dress is perfect for you....you better buy it!"

Here are the votes as of right now: K, Hayley and Terry vote for the slinky dress. Jess, everyone in the store where I was trying them on, Big Al, Rockey, Brenda and the girls at Wolf all vote for the poufy one. If I went by votes alone, the big one would win by quite a bit.

Anyway, so after that, we went to M.Sweet. It was really interesting...I mean, it's so freaking expensive and nice. It's between Lenox/Buckhead and midtown and amongst all this cool stuff is this old mansion. You go in and everything is just so perfect. You try on your gowns in your own personal room complete with plush chairs and couches with your own personal assistant in front of your own personal 10 feet by 10 feet or so mirror. I have to say, though, that I didn't really like any of the gowns that I tried on there. The Lia I mentioned in another blog looked just *eh* on me. There was one called the Theodora that was pretty darn amazing...it had ruffles. Who knew ruffles could be done in such a cool way? I mean, having ruffles on a cute Anthropologie skirt is one thing and having them on your wedding dress is quite another. But this dress was amazing... I felt really beautiful in this one. But, um, I would have to be an idiot to spend $3200 on a dress! Yeah, um...I'll go back to Bridesmaids Bowtique where my Watters dresses are less than half that.

So, having said all of that, now that I have it narrowed down to two dresses, I'm perplexed. How do I choose? I really don't know. There are plusses and minuses to both. I guess I'll get it figured out, though...and then I'll live happily ever after...

We have a new baby!!!

Brenda gave birth to little Evan at 12:42 this morning! He was a little bigger than they thought yesterday, so that was good news...he weighed in at 5 lbs, 15 ounces. I cannot wait to see him. This kid is going to have all kinds of crazy "aunts" as Kara and I discussed yesterday. I can't stop smiling.

In other news, I have fallen in love with a Melissa Sweet gown. This is quite an unfortunate turn of events, as M.Sweet is super expensive. If anyone wants to check it out, go to her website...it's in the ad campaign 1 gallery...it's the Lia style. It's shown in ivory, but I would get it in white. Isn't M.Sweet amazing? Too bad she's just so darn expensive. :-( There are always seamstresses around to make it for me, though. I think I will go try it on to see if I love it. Not exactly the super sexy style I've been imagining...but maybe more appropriate for our site. Those super sexy ones were really what I wanted when I thought we were going to get married on the beach.

Also, went by the site again yesterday...figured out some specifics regarding the layout of tables for dinner and chairs for the ceremony. I am so excited.

Anyway, I should run....so giddy today....it's hard to concentrate when we have a new baby!

Ok, I think I'm a little bit wedding'ed out. I'm going to cancel my appointment with Jeffrey tomorrow afternoon. I just want to go for a run.

Anyway, am still going dress shopping on Saturday, though. I've sketched out front, back, side, and isometric views of the ideal dress. Yes I am a dork for saying isometric, but no I am not a dork for doing it. I know I'm not going to find this perfect dress anywhere, but if I don't find something that I like just as well, I have decided that I am definitely going to a seamstress. Maybe I'll scan my sketches and put them up here....no laughter, please. :-)

Ummm...what else? We had a pretty nice Valentine's Day, I guess...as nice as you can have when you have to work and then go to class afterwards. We went to Outback after class which was cool. Ben sent me flowers - pretty stargazers and yellow roses...very sweet.

So, I'm in this portfolio management class, and I really love it.

And Ben loves watching the Olympics, so that's what we've been doing for the past week. I think that I am also a little Olympic'ed out. Skiing is on right now...I have to admit it is making me crave skiing a bit....it's been awhile. We went in December, but just to NC. We tried in Vermont, but conditions sucked...very, very icy, so that was a no go.

Ben just said "pancake-meister". That was funny.

I cannot wait to go on the honeymoon. I really, really need a vacation. Really. I cannot wait. We got to this point last spring, too...one of our classes ended up being tons of work. So, on top of regular work, a really time consuming class and then another regular class made for some hectic months. Last year, the light at the end of the tunnel was going to Italy...and we couldn't have asked for a better trip. We had amazing weather - no rain and warm the entire time. Even England was pretty while we were there. This year, the light at the end of the tunnel is undecided right now. I want to go to Hawaii...I really, really just want to go lay on a beautiful beach somewhere...and Hawaii just seems like *the* place. We've discussed Thailand, New Zealand, and Australia, but I think I just want to keep it domestic this time...more passport stamps can wait until later.

I really am tired...Ben is making me blog what I just said to him "go play bowling"...yes I actually said that. Awful.

Ok...this has been random...I'm very, very sleepy and can't seem to write a coherent sequence or even sentence....so I should probably sign off...

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!

I forgot to mention that I did in fact get to meet with that photog the other day and she is awesome...so I took her contract, but I've not officially signed it and given it back to her. Yea! I think we have a photographer!

Also, Kara and I are going to ATL to go dress shopping on Saturday...I'm SUPER excited for that. Here's hoping I find the *perfect* dress! If not, I think I'll start researching seamstresses around town to make the perfect dress for me.

And, of course, there's the meeting on Thursday evening with Jeffrey the florist. I'm a little nervous about this one, bec I've no clue as to how much flowers are going to cost. Thankfully, I WAY overbudgeted for photography, so at least there is some room in there for flowers, now. If he is too pricey, I've got some other names to fall back on.

Ok...this is a short one...

Fat and Happy...

I am not particularly fond of that saying. I don't understand the logic behind being fat AND happy.

Ben and I are quickly approaching our two year anniversary of dating one another. When we met, I had been at the same weight since a few months after I moved to Chattanooga. Most people gain weight when they start their first full time job, but I actually lost weight when I came here. Why? Because I discovered running. Ahhhhh...running...isn't it grand? There is no better way to be highly aerobic yet terribly detrimental to your body at the same time. Anyway, so then I met Ben...my love...my Valentine....and oh the good times we had! Oh, the wonderful meals we ate while learning every aspect of each others' histories! Oh, the calories we consumed through childhood stories and college memories. Ugh! Hehe...needless to say, I gained a bit of weight - about 5 pounds to be exact - that first summer we dated. Heading into that first fall, I had to take things under control...I had to go back to my regular weight.

So, I did. I lost that five pounds - actually, I lost more than double it. I am happy. Not fat, but happy.

We are so busy with all of the wedding preparations, work and school (so sorry to anyone who actually reads these and has to listen to that complaint time and again). It would be easy to pick up fast food laden with fat and calories. It would be easy to let our workouts fall away. It would be easy to become fat....but then I wouldn't be happy.

I look forward to my runs. I am proud of my runs. They are by far the best part of my very busy week.

Since the engagement, though, I've been a bit concerned: am I obsessed with my weight? I seem to be focusing on it quite a bit, seeing as I will be in a white slinky dress in about 7 months. For years, I have kept a record in Excel of my weight. I document the day it was taken, the time of day, and what I was wearing at the time. I am highly methodical in my weight chronicles; since workout weights are usually pretty consistent in time and attire, I separate those out from the others. At any point, I can tell you the standard deviation of my weight (typically it runs around 1 pound). I graph the data and do a linear regression on it to see the trendline. So is this obsessive?

Pretty much everyone in my family is overweight. The family is fraught with heart disease, everyone seems to have their version of what open heart surgery is like, and meals still contain loads of fats, carbs, and cals. Thousands of calories are consumed each day by my individual family members, while no cravings for physical activity exist. Ask them if they eat healthy and work out and they'll lie to you. It's sad, but what is more so is that they lie to themselves.

So, is it so wrong to be so obsessive? Or is it worse to not care at all and be fat and happy? Fat and happy until the next hospital visit, that is.

Can we incorporate paper lanterns....

...when we're getting married in a spanish hacienda style house? We both love them...we're gonna try to make them work. Somehow. I bought some tonight and am now experimenting with how long the batteries work in them. We're over 4 hours at this point.

Thursday's thing went well, I think.

Meeting with prospective photographer tomorrow...I hope I don't forget. She's on the top of Signal Mountain....let's hope for no snow/ice/sleet/whatever.

Meeting the gay guy florist on Thursday evening. I can't wait to meet him. I'm excited to start getting ideas about my bouquet.

We picked up the contract yesterday for the site and brought chairs up to the balcony where we want to do it, and looks like that will work just great. We were both very excited for that. I'm so excited in general for the site, but have to say that I think the chairs suck. Sooooo.....my budget is probably going up so that I can rent cuter chairs. Is this pathetic? I'm not sure if I'm being snobby or what. I just never imagined the chairs of the guests at my wedding looking quite like what is used at the TN River Place.

Thinking about going to ATL to wedding dress shop next weekend. Wanted to go today to just shop in general (Anthropologie has some really cute spring dresses and skirts out right now) and to register at C&B. Must get a few things there, and then will do remainder of stuff at BB&B. Anyway, back to wedding dress shopping...WHERE AM I GOING TO FIND THIS SEXY LOWCUT DRESS????

Ok...even though this blog is about the wedding, I guess I should talk about other things, too. I made Ben watch Lost in Translation tonight. He liked it and that made me happy. This has happened with most movies I've made him watch, actually. Hehe.

We also watched The Dukes of Hazzard movie today. Hmmm.....what to say? Um....I guess it wasn't completely terrible. I guess.

We have to watch In Her Shoes next. This was of course my pick...but I'm not sure why. I read Good In Bed by J. Weiner over Christmas and wasn't too pleased with it. I have to say for those who don't know me too well that I only have time to read while on the elliptical and the stairclimber...so that's about 45 mins or so 3 times a week...so I HAVE to read fluff. Books that make me think just make the workout miserable. Anyway, let me say that reading about a very unhappy fat girl is not my idea of fun during a workout. I work very hard to be/stay thin, and absolutely hate listening to anyone complain about being overweight when they don't do anything about it. So, having said all of that, I'm not sure why I got the movie...bec I think it's once again another book by J. Weiner about a fat girl.

I'm actually looking for the next good fluff book to read during workouts...throughout January I was stuck with updates on Brad & Angelina in US Weekly. Must get to the bookstore, soon.

Ok...I'm rambling...the cat is staring at me...I think he wants to play....

I feel pretty today...

....so maybe I should wear my hair like this for the wedding. And maybe I should wear a pink dress instead of a white one. :-) Ok...I'm not that nonconformist.

Appt. with photog. for Sunday. Let's keep fingers crossed that I'll love her work.

Also, big day tomorrow.

And that's all I've got....

My ring is amazing!

I love it, and I especially love the person who gave it to me.

My friends say that I'll stop paying attention to it eventually, but I still stop and stare because it is beautiful.

Updates on planning: am about to make an appt with a photographer for a weekend meeting. I'm excited to meet her...Kara recommended her and her work online seems quite nice (not to mention the fact that she's MUCH cheaper than the first guy I was interested in, but still the same style).

We registered for china this weekend at Dillards...the pattern is really nice. Who knew teapots could be so expensive, though?

Also, at Brenda's baby shower this weekend, the girls recommended not doing a Target registry as they apparently have terrible return policies....so I think I might take pretty much everything off of that and put it on a Bed, Bath, & Beyond registry (I hear it's a much better return policy).

It's hard to do the planning with the stress of school on top of me...it takes away a bit of the fun of it, I think. But, that's ok. I'll have all of August and most of Sept to have fun with wedding planning stuff since I'll finish up that first week of Aug. I cannot wait! It will also be nice to be able to run more than 3 times a week when Aug rolls around.

One other big thing is going on this week... If anyone reads this (whether you know me or not), please send me happy and encouraging thoughts on Thursday!

The Trials and Tribulations of a Non-Conformist Bride in a VERY Traditional City

I'm assuming that if anyone is reading this, that whoever you are you probably know me and know that our wedding is planned for a Thursday. I'm going to explain why here bec when anyone asks me in person, I'm no longer going to explain. Ben and I originally wanted to have our wedding take place in the Outer Banks of NC. Our idea (or rather my idea, bec Ben is very much male in the fact that he really doesn't care what we do) was to have our very close friends and family (envisioning about 20 people tops here) come to the OBX for a full week and towards the end of the week (probably on Thursday) have the ceremony. This didn't work out due to several reasons (biggest two being that we are both in grad school at night and working full time jobs during the day, which makes for planning a wedding in another city extremely difficult AND we suddenly didn't want to wait a year and a half to be able to marry each other...we wanted to do it, well, as soon as possible). So, we started looking around Chattanooga, found a wonderful location and decided to stick with the Thursday idea. Why? Because we want to. I've heard about how inconvenient it is for people to come, and to be horribly honest, I (or rather we) do not care. Having the wedding on a Thursday evening is completely convenient for us...and we are who matters bec it is OUR wedding. Additionally, we feel that whoever really loves us will come to our wedding no matter where or when we have it. Therefore, this Thursday eve thing is really helping to weed out those people who really don't want to come thus leaving only those that are ecstatic about our nuptials. These are the people that I want to witness my wedding. This is what a wedding should be about. It most definitely shouldn't be about sharing your vows with 350 people, 300 of which you've not spoken to in 6 and a half years, but you went to their wedding so they should come to yours. I don't think I'll ever understand people that have huge weddings like that. If only 3 people come, then so be it...at least I'll know that I was surrounded by 3 people that love me very much.

Having said all of that, there is apparently another non-conformist aspect to this wedding but I didn't think this one would be a big deal. However, after showing a pic of the cake I love to someone the other day and waiting while she finished laughing at it, I realized exactly how backwoods Chattanooga is. No, this cake looks nothing like the very traditional, perfectly swirled, pearled or rose adorned white circles that most everyone around here is used to. In contrast, it's lopsided and extremely colorful. It is beautiful and I love it, and I only hope that someone in this hillbilly town can make it for me. I don't mock those that aren't willing to think outside the box, but expect them to not mock me either. However, I do feel sorry for them. I would hate for my wedding to look exactly like everyone else's wedding....that would be such a shame. I am unique...and my wedding will reflect my uniqueness.

Finally, I complain about the lack of cutting edge vendors in the area...again. I went to the Bridal Show here a few weeks ago and encountered one photojournalism type photographer. Just ONE. Hello, people...what is wrong with you? Don't you know that you could be making crazy money if you artistically photographed weddings??? Additionally, I'm getting a little worried that no one in this area is going to be able to make my aforementioned non traditional wedding cake. Let's keep our fingers crossed that I'm worrying for nothing here.

I should have started a blog long ago...what a catharsis without annoying my friends, fiance and family.

Anyway, having said all of that I guess I should run.

Hmmm....planning...

Well, I wonder if anyone will actually ever read this? I've been meaning to post more pics to the blog, but life is so busy with work, grad school, and of course wedding planning. We have the location picked out, as you guys have seen on theknot, but we've not actually signed the contract yet. This would be because I would like to at least try the caterer's food before we sign a contract since he is the only option. I'm sure it will be wonderful, but I'd still like to give it a go.

Geeeeezzzzz....photographers are expensive...especially the photojournalist kind. I talked with a guy the other day and he talked FOREVER about how to be a true photojournalist not one single pic would be posed. Hmmm...he's got a point. I guess I do want some posed shots, too...just not "Here are Ben and Stacey with Ben's dad" and "Here are Ben and Stacey with Ben's mom" and "Here are Ben and Stacey with Stacey's parents"...that is so dull. We are looking at a photographer that is quite expensive here in town...you can see a bit of his work at our location at www.tennesseeriverplaceportfolio.com . He's amazing...just awesome. But VERY expensive just for the photography...absolutely nothing is included. Some friends recommended him...so I'm waiting to see their photos to make sure that he's worth the money. Otherwise, Chatty is quite limited in its photography options....pretty much everything else sucks. Well, that one guy that was so nice on the phone was ok...but just ok. Not amazing. Looks like I'll be spending a ton on photography. :-)

Hmm...what else? Well, today I discovered while looking at a pic of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in her bridal gown (was checking it bec I've always loved it...it's almost exactly what I'm thinking I'm going to have made) that she and I have the same b'day. I thought that was pretty cool... and then I read the caption on the pic...Carolyn and JFK Jr. got married on Sept. 21st, as well. It kind of creeped me out a bit. So, anyway...if Ben takes flying back up, I am NEVER going to fly with him. Never. I swear I'm not being silly. If I did the probability correct, then there's only a 1 in 133,225 chance that we'd be born on the say day and randomly choose the same wedding day. Who knows what it would be if I added the both blonde and blue-eyed, thing. Hehe. I guess the similarities stop there, though, huh? I'm not exactly a 6 foot tall, cocaine snorting ex Calvin Klein model that is marrying the most eligible bachelor in the country (sorry, Ben!). Anyway, I still thought that was interesting.

Ok, having said all of that, I have to run to a hair appt.

Just engaged! 

Stacey in Vegas