Today

Today is the day of my wedding.  I woke up in my little bed likely for the last time.  I awoke at first light (6 ish) and sat in bed for over an hour, propped up looking out the window.  My window looks out on some mountains, and they were awash in pink.  The wind has picked up, cold, but it has blown the rain clouds away- which is wonderful.

So today I walk down that long aisle.  I told John last night after the rehearsal dinner "See you at the end of the aisle...I'd better see you at the end of the aisle!"

I get to start my honeymoon today, and stay in a hotel in Napa for the first time.  Tomorrow I jet off to the mystery destinations.

Oh my word. I'm getting MARRIED today.

The last

It is always the last few days that are the craziest.  Why do I say always, not like I've ever gotten married before.  But so I have heard, and so I am feeling.  I appreciate all the support, even if I haven't taken the time to call and chat. I'm so sorry for that.  The hard part is organizing all the people, the cars, and the last minute changes that are thrust upon you (oh, you can no longer accompany with the piano- funny that you find this out 3 days before).

Anyhow, I thought I should follow up my top 5 gripes of wedding guests with some of my top thanks for guests:

1. Being prompt with responding

2. Sending a nice card or little something even if you cannot come to the wedding

3. Offering to carpool elderly people

4. Talking the wedding emotions out with my mom

5. Pastors that give their time; and not only that, help loads

6. Siblings that are the greatest help in the world, and give beyond what would be expected

7. Moms that try to make it really special despite the hectic nature

8. Calm and un-demanding in-laws

9. Friends that are far away but let me know that they are praying for me and love me

10. Friends that can't come but take the time to write nice letters that make me feel good about myself

11. A fiance that reminds you, after you just freaked out on him about something inconsequential, that this is a happy time and how excited he is to wake up with you every morning for the rest of his life

12. A honeymoon destination that is 80 degrees with a beach to sunbathe

12.5 A fiance that doesn't tell you where the honeymoon is!

13. The friends of your parents that come out of the woodwork to let you know how supported you are

14. My parents' friends that have long, healthy, happy, robust marriages to look up to

15. Friends that come from so far away, knowing that we won't be able to have intimate catch-up time, but come to show respect, love, and support. This is a big one. I honestly feel so cherished by so many wonderful women.

One week from this VERY moment...

Hello dearest dears!  it is almost 1 pm, saturday.  At 1 pm NEXT saturday, I will be putting on my wedding dress!

Thought I would share some photos of romance on the cheap, as will be the story of my newlywed life for the next 2.5 years.  But John and I are so happy that we can be poor and in love together!

So the centerpiece of my apartment Christmas decorations was the table you can see in the photo.  I shopped on craigslist for antlers, and bought 4-5 good size sets (one mounted on a wooden plaque) for $15.  I put down some green material, then arranged the antlers somewhat in a circle.  I have a big pine tree that hangs over my balcony, so I cut off some thinner boughs and arranged those in and out of the antlers.  I then bought some red and white pillar candles and some Christmasy-scented votive candles.  John and I put a Duraflame in the fireplace and drank the port that was a party favor at my brother's wedding.  We turned off the lights, lit the flames, and voila!  Romance for a $15 investment in something I will keep.

I hope you all had lovely holidays with your family and loved ones.   To those who will be in Napa next week...hip hip hurray!  I love you so much for making the effort to show your support and affection. 

Sorry I am so sappy and emotional- I barely know myself, but I just can't help myself!!

oh you horrid pests!

Top 5 annoyances of wedding invitees:

1. Those who do not mail in their RSVP card.  Losing it or forgetting about it are lame excuses.  There is a frickin stamp on those mothers! How hard is it to drop it in the mail with a little check mark!?

1.5 Those who do not mail in the card or contact me in any manner, then show up. growl.

2. Those who think RSVPing by text message, facebook message, email, or calling is sufficient/appropriate.  I have so much on my mind- you think I will remember who said what and how many when?!

3. Those who receive an envelope addressed specifically only to him/her, and yet still decide to check "2" for number coming.  Are you serious?  Because "just one more person" won't make a difference?  You're wrong!  You could AT LEAST have the DECENCY to ask!!!

4. Those who RSVP in the affirmative, and decide to skip the ceremony for whatever reason (too early, too religious, a hassle), and just show up for the free booze and food.  Go rot in Vegas, you can get the same thing

5.  Those who say "instead of bringing my mother/daughter/son, would it be okay if I brought my daughter's boyfriend instead?"  How rude is that?  We specifically invited your particular family member, so you think "trading" out is plausible?  Basically, your family member isn't able to make it, and you want to throw some stranger in instead. boo on you

5. Those who RSVP yes, and then don't show up at all

5. Those who are invited, but just put a fat X in the regrets line.  Sure, most protocol suggests you should send a gift, but truth be told, a simple note on the card, a wedding card in the mail, an e-mail or phone call to express gratitude in being invited and to wish best happiness goes a real long way. Glad my marriage isn't important to you, sorry you aren't pleased at being included in such a momentous and personal occasion.  consider yourself off any social invite lists i make in the future.

I have so much joy in getting married!  But what wedding planning reveals in human culture is the wide-spread, despicable lack of manners, tact, or decency.  I won't let the horrid pests blemish my day.  But still...at the very least let me rant from a sociological perspective.

Most probably, there will be more to come.  I kept myself reined in :)