29 August 2006

Tied in Knots

I recently received a wonderful book at my bridal shower entitled, “Tied in Knots.” It is a satirical look at weddings and all the pomp, pageantry and fuss that goes along with planning…only to end in disaster.

Reading this book has really helped put things into perspective. It doesn’t matter how much effort you out into planning, little glitches will always arise. And here’s the real kicker….who cares?!? Reading about these wedding blunders, really makes me realize that even if things don’t go according to plan, it is my attitude that will make the day. So long as Dan and I both show up and say I do, that is all that really matters. People will laugh at the mishaps and remember the bride and groom who smiled through it all.

A few nights ago, I looked at my “To Do” checklist for the wedding and almost had an aneurism! However, upon closer inspection, it doesn’t seem all that daunting anymore. Yes, there are a lot of little craft projects remaining, but the bulk of the day is already planned. I am determined not to stress about the little things anymore. With less than 4 weeks until the wedding, I have to remind myself to step back, breath and enjoy the ride. After all, I’m only going to get to experience this once in my lifetime.

Things on the home front are starting to settle down nicely. Dan and I have started to decorate and the walls are looking a little friendlier. Right now, my main concern is trying to find room for everything we received at the shower! I have a feeling that a major basement overhaul is in store. I wasn’t planning on doing this until after the wedding, but we may have to see to it this weekend. I despise clutter, so I’m feeling a little overrun right now. It probably doesn’t help that Dan and I have an elliptical trainer lying in the middle of our t.v. den…half built.

Dan always tells me that I wouldn’t be happy unless I had something to stress over. I’m starting to think he’s right!

28 August 2006

The Final Sendoff

Less than one month away until I become a Mrs. I know that the day was quickly approaching, but I think it only truly hit home this weekend.

Saturday was a day that I shall treasure for the rest of my life. My friends threw me a beautiful bridal shower at my mother’s house and it was more than I could have ever hoped for. I was blown away by the work and thought that went into planning. Without exaggeration, it was the best shower I have ever attended…and not just because it was my own. I truly felt like a queen that day and it was wonderful to be surrounded by so many friends and loved ones. My favourite gift was two beautiful drawings that were made by my adorable little cousins. I am proudly displaying them on my fridge and Dan jokes that it’s a premonition of things to come – haha.

After the shower, the party shifted gears – BACHLORETTE party! A group of girlfriends and I met at a restaurant downtown and then hit the dance floor at a popular club nearby. My awesome bridesmaids took care of everything and I was content to be led around for the evening, dressed to the hilt in a veil, “Miss Bachlorette” sash, Mardi-Gras beads and a “Bride” button - just the right degree of tacky!

The party at the dance club was sooooooo much fun. There were three other brides there celebrating, as well as two bachelor parties. I won’t get into specifics but you can probably picture the scene...pure chaos...pure fun! I was a little more mild than the other brides (thankfully) but I still had my fair share of beverages and speaker dancing. It was fun to relax and act silly for a change. The girls managed to capture some “classy” moments. I have no doubt that there are some excellent blackmail photos floating around out there.

All in all, an A ++++++ weekend. I had an awesome time and it was the perfect sendoff into married life!

And now, for your enjoyment….the future bride (a.k.a. Brazen Hussy)

01 August 2006

We have grass!!!

Yes, sadly these are the things that excite me lately… I was very happy to arrive home yesterday to see a yard full of lush, bright green grass. The dirt was really starting to get depressing. I guess we should count ourselves lucky because others have been waiting for grass for almost a year. Two weeks doesn’t quite qualify as a hardship.

While I am perfectly happy seeing green, I’m starting to worry about another type of green….money! In this abnormally sweltering heat, we have to keep watering the lawn 24/7. We were warned to keep the sprinklers on for at least two weeks solid. I am dreading our first water bill! Add on yet another expensive trip to Home Depot for various water dispensing tools and you’re looking at a pretty large investment. We may not be able to clothe ourselves next month, but at least we’ll have awesome grass!

Aside from the greenery, not much else has progressed on the home front. I still battle with mud puddles every morning and am resigned to the fact that there is no saving a certain beloved pair of shoes. They have no been relegated to “mail fetching” shoes.
This is pretty much the only time I will set foot on the street…unfortunately necessary seeing as I have to fetch bills…double blah!

I dream of the day that I can go out jogging again. Daniel and I eat very healthy, but the lack of outdoor exercise is driving me nuts. Lethargy is starting to settle and I find myself drinking beer more frequently…one of the adverse side-effects of living with a man. At this rate, I will be popping out of my wedding dress.