And The Wedding Countdown Begins
231 DAYS until OCTOBER 10, 2003

Amazingly enough, I have found my dress. It wasn't what I imagined in my head when I stopped into a little boutique off of Fort Union, but the minute I put it on, I was stunned. Beaded and long, with satin buttons from the back of the neck down the 3 foot train, gorgeous light cream material with an open neckline... and it was actually BIG on me! This little shop had everything I could imagine, and I had the best time trying on veils, crowns, tieras.... Of course, I'm not going to stop looking, but at leat I am heartened that there ARE dresses for brides over a size 8! Plus, this dress was an absolute STEAL at under $500! Still keeping options open. Need to take Lorene, Jenn, Shane and Sarah to see it...

So far, this is what I know: I want an Autumn wedding. October 10th is the best date (numerologically, seasonally, it's on a full moon - very important to Cancers, it's on a Friday, Lindi has a weeks vacation - absolutely perfect).
My colors will be all autumnal colors accented with royal purple and cream.
Flowers: I want cream roses, sunset roses, white carnations and wildflowers in my bouquet.
Rings: Already have the rings picked out (just need Lindi's ok on that). I still need to pick out the perfect ring for Sarah.
Ceremony: I don't really care about the reception so much, but I definately want to get married in a church (Episcopalian, Unitarian, Angelican...) or by a minister.
Reception: Lots of dancing and a totally RELAXING reception. If I had my way, everyone would be in shorts and jeans except the wedding party. Oh, and champagne and liquor. lots of it.
Pictures: Looking at photographers right now, but I am thinking of also getting a bunch of disposible cameras and having people take random shots as well. Those tend to be the best and funniest, especially given the friends I have.
Invitations: Haven't even looked, as we need to settle on a date. If the date changes, the whole theme of the wedding changes. ARGH!
Incidentals: Need to find toasting glasses for Lindi and I (one's that DO NOT SAY BRIDE AND GROOM) and Best woMan and Maid of Honour, cream colored netting and Jordan Almonds, Reception Thank You cards for the tables (to match the invitations), centerpieces (oh Gawd, centerpieces - how about a pumpkin?)... so much to think about...

So, INPUT!!! Toni, Stephanie, married or committed persons of all types, email me your thoughts ideas, centerpiece designs... whatever. What did your reception center cover, how much did it cost, who catered, etc.

HELP!!!!!!

Find your Role-Playing
Stereotype at mutedfaith.com.
[Angel.]

An Amazing, Fantastic, Beautiful Valentine’s Day

Lindi and I had a great Valentines Day together. We started out with a romantic dinner at Macaroni Grill, with fantastic wine and delicious food, and the wait wasn’t too bad. We had planned on Red Lobster, but the place was packed, and Macaroni Grill is one of my very favorite places, so it worked out great. She had never been there before, and watching her discover their amazing food was quite a treat. We exchanged little Valentine’s presents and had a relaxing time together. We then picked Sarah up and I took them to Build-a-bear for their Valentine’s present – they made it and stuffed it and named it and we took them home! It was a blast!

I was exausted by the time we made it to her house, but I had one more present in store. She sat me down in the living room and gave me a personalized MP3 slideshow, complete with pictures of me (grown and as a child), her, Sarah, us together, random pictures of a kangaroo and an iguana (don’t ask), gorgeous pictures Lindi had taken of sunrises and sunsets.

The very last frame was a gorgeous sunrise photo with the words “Will You Marry Me?” across the bottom!! I was so stunned, I don’t quite remember what I said through my tears, but it was something similar to “Maybe…” She presented me with a spectacular quarter-carat Marquise diamond solitaire like the on e we saw in Park City. When I could finally talk, I did say yes, so no fear.

Saturday was spent ring shopping with Jennifer, crying on the phone with Lorene and being giddy with my sister. I told my parents, who aren’t thrilled, but are okay with it.

I AM GETTING MARRIED!!
IT’S OFFICIAL!!

Shane, break out the swatches and planning book!

In Defense of Valentine’s Day…

Ok, most of you would agree I am a squishy romantic and love any excuse to give flowers and candy and love letters and little things with little pink ribbons on them. And Valentines Day (or V-D day as I like to call it) is no exception. Of course, red being one of my favorite colors, and everything surrounding the day, from special dinners to secret Valentines just makes me giddy.

Then somebody had to stand behind me at Albertson’s while I am picking out a card for my Mother and say something ridiculous like, “Oh, Valentines is sooostupid. It’s a conspiracy to put pressure on people to buy things. It’s not really a holiday anyway.”

Are you on crack?

Let me say a few things about Valentine’s Day. One of my fondest memories of growing up was the game that three of my little best-est girlfriends and I would play. Little homemade (or store bought) Valentines with 3 little candy hearts inside would be dropped off on our doorstep, the bell rung and the sender would run as far and fast as possible and try not to get caught. Stupid? Yeah, a little. But the anticipation of one single Valentine was so enormous and once delivered meant so very much, that I will remember it for always.

When the tradition first began with the fable of “St. Valentine” and his little love notes to incarcerated prisoners, I am sure he didn’t plan on restaurants and Suites and the Ritz being overbooked. I don’t think when the day began being celebrated more publicly in Victorian times that the thought behind it was “Hey, let’s mass manufacture heart shaped boxes of expensive Truffles… let’s all get on THIS undiscovered bandwagon!”

It’s a day meant for those who really love to express their love for others, but may not be able to everyday. My Dad loves my Mom dearly and tries to be thoughtful with each and every breath he takes. But come Valentine’s, he is a real Casanova. Why? Because men are allowed to on Valentines Day. He has permission. And some men, and a few women, need that permission.

I have been celebrating Valentine’s Day all month long as a matter of fact… first with a romantic getaway, then a couple of early presents and sentimental mushy crap, and tonight with dinner, a special date at Build-a-bear and time with Sarah. To be technical, I have celebrated V-D day every day since meeting Lindi in July. I like the fact that I have given Lindi flowers so often during our courtship that giving them to her today would seem meaningless and I chose to do something original and from the heart. Let me repeat: From The Heart. That’s what it’s about. If you chose to buy the standard roses and box of chocolates, fine. It’s not a contest when you really love someone. If you don’t do anything except tell the person you’re with (even for the night) that you love them, wonderful! No judgment for chrissake.

And if you don’t “go in for” the whole V-D day thing, who cares? But don’t ruin it for the rest of us Virgos who eat this stuff up with a spoon and ask for more.

Gawd, next thing I know, someone will tell me that St. Patrick’s Day isn’t a real holiday, too.

How INTERESTING...

The things you learn off of MSN.com. One of the shortest marriages in History belonged to Valentino...

Rudolph Valentino & Jean Acker
Married: November 1919
Split after six hours

For someone nicknamed "The Great Lover," Valentino struck out big time with his first wife, actress Jean Acker. Six hours after pledging to stay together in good times and in bad, they were putting their vows to the test. And failing. The bride locked Valentino out of their honeymoon suite. He knocked for 20 minutes before heading home. Acker claimed in divorce proceedings that the marriage was never consummated and that she'd dumped the sex symbol for another woman. Legend has it that Valentino, who died in 1926 at age 31, remembered his ex in his will, bequeathing her the sum of one dollar.

Another Day in Oz…

The days seem to be flying by lately, not much time to catch up on sleep, medication or blogging. But, luckily, I have a minute and find myself full of information to share!

The Jazz game at the Delta Center on Wednesday was fun, and it made it better that we won. Well, we stomped them. On our way out, a 14 year-old girl had popped her knee of out socket while she was playing around and ended up in the walkway. Security had called the EMTs, but I couldn’t just let her lay there screaming… So I threw off my coat and got down there with her to help. I was able to get her calmed down by the time the EMT’s arrived, and I was so disappointed in them, I could’ve screamed. One offered her an ice bag. Ok, that makes sense. One offered to call an ambulance. That’s it. That was their extensive knowledge on the subject. I finally couldn’t keep quiet anymore and turned to one of them and said, “Well, we’re not going to stay in this position all night, do you have a SAM splint? An Ace wrap? Anything?” No, they carried nothing like that. Finally I convinced them they should get a wheelchair to help her father get her to the car so he could take her to the Insta-care - where they actually HAVE medical supplies. BRILLIANT! I held her hand AND supported her knee while we got her into the wheelchair… whilst the EMT’s watched. I couldn’t believe it. Remind me never to get hurt in Larry Miller venues. After all, you know this guy hires stupid idiot EMT wanna be’s…

Thursday was a wonderful evening spent with the beautiful Jennifer at Francesco’s. Very, very disappointing food, but the conversation and company were unparalleled. I am so proud of Jennifer for going back to school and for doing so well. I just wish she would believe in herself more to stand up to her stupid boss and tell him to give her a raise or go fuck himself.

Friday was a bunch of fun, meeting MaryEtta and Christopher down at the club to listen to two new live acts that Teinnamarie manages. (They are AWESOME!!!) It was a happy coinky-dink that we were there, I had planned to meet MaryEtta at the bar for a drink, and Christopher just happened to be there because of the band-thing. It was great to spend some chic time with MaryEtta, get hit on by beautiful woman twice my age and just have a good time.

Saturday I had an appointment for a recording session for Lindi’s Valentine's present. I recorded the song “There You Are” by Martina McBride as her gift. My voice was horrible, I must say. It was early morning, scratchy and I couldn’t quit coughing to save my life. The session manager, Joe, was so sweet, giving me throat drops and being very encouraging. It still isn’t up to my standards, so I ended up giving it to her early. She was stunned. She loved it, even the bad parts. I guess that’s unconditional love! I am still unsure of her V-D gift to me… she wanted 6 of my baby pics for some reason… and she’s giving me strange clues, like it’s red and white and fuzzy, but it’s not really clothing… I don’t know. She’s taking me to Red Lobster for dinner and then I am taking her to Build-A-Bear, then after that we are spending quality time with the kid.

What are YOUR plans for V-D Day?

As Promised...

OK, LORENE, TONI, STEPH and SHANE... here you go...

The last couple of weeks at work has just been crazy and I now realize that the Universe is testing my capacity for patience. It seems the Cranky Greek Man has been having fits of forgetfullness, which send me into complete craziness since whatever he forgets to do suddenly becomes my problem. He tends to "remember" things that need to be done 5-10 minutes before the end of the day, then we have to rush to get whatever-the-hell-is-so-fucking-important out of the way so we can leave. It's usually fine, but it's irritating on a Friday, payday, and something that I gave him nearly 4 days previously to accomplish. The good news is that Kirb and I have been getting along great as we now have a common goal to leave each day without killing him. Prison-time is a huge motivator.

I had a great time on Saturday, partying at the Moon. Great for me, since Lin had Sunday off and I planned and executed the most wonderful romantic get-away... sorta like an early Valentines Day present. I checked us into a room at the Days Inn right down the street from the club, made a trip to Dr. John's for a beautiful negligee and other romantic supplies, set up the room and picked her up to go to the club.

We had an amazingly drama-free night at the Moon, which can be rare. It was Deanna's birthday, so we lavished her with gifts and attention. Deanna's girl Aleshia smelled sooo good, I kept grabbing her just to smell her (she told me the cologne was Acqua diGio from Armani... nummy... Lindi loved it, too) I would have the say the highlight of the evening was dancing with Lindi behind me and our friend Joyce in front of me. Not really paying attention, as Joyce is always a little flirty, she reaches up and unbuttons my blouse. Again, nothing really uncommon at the Moon. Except this time, she unbuttoned my blouse to my navel, then proceeded to lick my chest from cleavage to neck. In one fell swoop, I lost my knee (can't tell you exactly where it went) and I fell right into Lindi's arms. I got a couple of propositions and a "Well, if Lindi doesn't want to go home with you tonight, I will!" Quite eventful!

The room was great, with a HUGE jacuzzi bath with a shower that actually sprayed into the tub. I can't say it was the "perfect" room, but we really didn't care, and she was surprised when I handed her a room key, and speechless when she saw my choice of negligee (Black with gold trim, it really is beautiful). I owe a big thanks to the manager, Tana, who gave us a late checkout, gave me a discount and was just about the sweetest thing ever. We managed to get out of there at 12:30, went shopping at Nordstroms for Acqua diGio (had to get some for Lindi) and a little present for Sarah (She was the top student in her Catechism Class). We then had lunch at San Fran Sourdough Pizza before taking in "Sweet Home Alabama" with Sarah and Lin's Mom. All in all a very romantic weekend and very rejuvenating.

Finally hooked up with my favorite Greek Goddess, hopefully we can arrange our schedules so that we can get together soon. Sometimes the best relationships are the ones where there is mutual respect and forgiveness of each other's lives. It's great to have someone like her around, who has seen you in every situation since, literally, birth, and loves you no matter what.

Tomorrow night we are going to the Jazz game and I am very excited. Since they took the Starzz away from us, we'll have to settle for the boys, I guess. The owners of Lin's McD's gave her lower bowl tickets for no reason, I think they are 7th row from the floor. It will be nice to take something like that in without binoculars!

BIG LOVE out to D, who is going through some personal soul searching and life changes. Remember, honey, never settle, you are better than that. You have a whole life to live, and not to be a servant to anyone... except me, of course ! :) Love ya, babe.

And If I get Through The Day...

I will blog. I promise. I have lots to tell you, but work is killing me.

I love you... there will be something soon!