The Proposal

At this point I am really beginning to feel the crunch. This is a busy time. I have to drag my ass to the records office for Dekalb county so I can then go to the DMV to get an unexpired license. My jury summons notice is for the 19th. Next month I have the premier of the new season of Doctor Who as well as a special 3D theater event a few days before. I also have not just a regular doctor checkup but also my quarterly Psychiatrist visit.

Everything we ordered has arrived. Saturday morning UPS knocked on the door. Next shipment I'm putting a notice on the door to leave the box instead of knocking until I answer, like every other driver, instead of waking me up. Scott has been working 3rd shift on the weekends. She never gets a signature and it's this one driver who annoyingly does it.

So what I didn't know is that also on Saturday the quill pen for our guest book was delivered in our mailbox. I just went to get it, but haven't opened it. The other package was items for the reception/favors. Without being able to order anything right now, with still so many decisions to make, I more and more ponder when would be a good time to mitigate our damages. I simply don't know if it's going to get done or not, and if not then why not just plan for the big "E" and quit spending money that could be used elsewhere in our lives. If we did, we would already have things we'll never use, why collect more?

There's another issue that has me bummed. I mentioned it last posts about not having discussed it with everyone. Well, I still haven't because I just haven't got a clue as to how to handle it. It deals with the person performing the ceremony. Again, it comes down to money. Maybe if we cut the reception, since most of the money is going there, and it's less than 3 months from now. That could be a sort of "E"2.0

I'm too tired to think about it right now, but something nice did happen over the weekend. Another niece (sister of niecezilla) and Andrea stopped by for a visit. We hadn't seen each other in a while and she's 15 now so it was a bit awkward and nice at the same time. She's more a person now than kid. The great news is that she may be in town for the wedding. Crap, that reminds me of the invitations.

I am bound and determined to end this on a positive note. Okay, got it. I'm going to share an episode from one of my all-time favorite comedies of all time, The Vicar of Dibley. Dawn French plays a vicar in a small village filled with morons and lunatics. Their last season was a series of specials where Dawn's character finally finds love. Another time I will share the wedding episode because it's just priceless.

So, this is my favorite TV proposal. Besides being sweet and heartwarming, it's hilarious to watch the confusion build until clarity finally comes to her as to what's happening. The reason I'm sharing this particular episode is that I introduced Scott to this show not long before he proposed to me, and when he did, I did my impression of Dawn doing her impression of Emma Thompson from Sense & Sensibility. Give it a go, it's a fantastic show, and a peek into our engagement.

Bubbles to Smithereens

Today is Scott's birthday. He just pulled two overnight doubles in a row so it is also catch up on sleep day. I'm finally back to work on the bubbles. Trying to find the right formula of paint to get the look I want. I have my two test subjects on the balcony drying right now. Once I decide what looks best I can finish all of them at once.

The cake debate rages, but both of us are leaning towards cupcakes. A bakery cake is out of the question, and Publix bakery uses some whipped frosting instead of butter cream. We will probably have a small cake, if we do this, to cut at the reception. It's still in talks, so I'll let you know. Oh, we haven't even discussed whether or not to smash cake into each other's faces. Scott isn't keen on things like having a drink thrown in his face, although who is? But he would know it's coming. Or will he? Mwuhahaha.

Wedding favors have recently come up, which is a tough one. We tossed around the idea of making the favors Halloweeny. Maybe while I'm working on the bubble bottles I can shop around for both favors and wedding party gifts. I remember at one of one of my brother's weddings he gave the groomsmen engraved razors. Having always been in the groom's family, I've never known what the girls get. Perhaps a call to my friend Donna is in order. She's been through this a couple of times, and more importantly, like Niecezilla and my friend Stacie, she has her finger on the party pulse. Good ideas for good times. I'll make time to call all three. Wait, I can't ask Donna and Andrea, they're part of it so I'd be asking them what they want me to get them. Stacie it is.



Scott's awake... Back to work

Weekend Progress- part one: Beginning To Bubble

Logistically, things are coming together nicely. Besides waiting for that refund from the hotel. We will breathe easier when we get the money and still have the reservation. The list has begun of things we want to do in New Orleans. I was too wiped out yesterday to post, and I'll get to what we did today in part two.

Saturday, Niecezilla brought us over to her house to play. We stopped to get the bubbles at Party City, then some paint and cardboard paper at Walmart. The bubble bottles are going to undergo a transformation. Here is the beginning of the process with a cheeky peek at my fiancee Scott working away happily. First up is me taking a picture in the downstairs bathroom to remind myself to throw some flowers or something up in there.

I'll post the whole transition when I get them done.

It was also a great opportunity to study the rooms and figure out where all the weddingy things will happen. Some things are already ready already. Like this table in the entryway. I bet I don't have to tell you what goes there.

I also was able to get specific directions as we went. All in all it was a very good day and we are both very grateful to Andrea and Jimmy for opening up their home for our reception.

As if all that wasn't good enough, we ate at my favorite restaurant...

Up next: A walk in the park

Bits, Bobs and Dangly Bits In The Morning

I'm all charged up today. Every few days I need a day of rest, I think that's how I'll get through this without becoming a pudding brain. The meeting I thought I had this morning is actually tomorrow, so I got the wedding book out and made some notes. I think I have the flowers sorted. I may be going a little 'Vicar of Dibley' with this suggestion, but Andrea asked what color dress she should wear. I answered, but I would like to ask her to consider a dress she already suggested to me, just in her size, and with burgundy...

I'm going to squeeze in some Doctor Who where I can. Speaking of, she also sent me this picture which would be a great way to add a bit of Who...

On the subject of reception decor, I need to find out if Andrea has any trees. The only time I was there we were breezing our way through on the way to my father's funeral, plus it was dark, and snowing. Anyway, I found this picture and think it's fun for those who need to 'step outside for a minute'.

Andrea sent this to me and I had to ask her what in the world it was. I liked what I saw, I just didn't know what I was seeing. They're strands of battery operated lights hung inside pantyhose.

Something to put in the maybe pile. That's a lot of strings of lights.

Scott emailed me before he came to bed last night asking me to look at a menu and tell him what I think, but he forgot to send me the menu, so I'm on tenterhooks waiting for him to get up.

I'll leave you with one more picture of something Andrea found, then I'll be back with more news. At first I dismissed it, but think it would be great to set up at the park so people who see us organizing know what's happening. I just have to find one. There is no way I can take on making one right now.

Futuristic cowpoke duo fight big oil cowbots while running last wedding chapel on earth

The biggest news of the day is that the invitations are in Atlanta. Nothing else happened. Not wedding related. Last night we talked reception food. Scott had some ideas that were far better than what I was coming up with. I guess I thought I was feeding a 1970's Avon party. I finally threw out a fall back plan, i.e. catering from Taco Bell. For me, it's a viable option. Look, and for your germaphobe friends, everything is individually wrapped! I knew it wouldn't fly this early, but my goal was just to get it on the back burner.

Been trying to come up with terms for our, I guess you can say witnesses. The best I've come up with so far is Ring Chaperone and the Handfast Express. I know, I know. It's nothing, but it's a process. You have to wade through the crap to find the gems. I guess that analogy makes my good ideas some sort of turd diamonds. It's good to try practice compliments on yourself before saying them to other people.

While Ring Chaperone and the Handfast Express might make a good sci-fi/western story someday, some better titles will come along. I've got 1/3 of me working on it. Scott will be home soon, maybe we can bounce names off each other. Our plans are to go to the park Monday. Perhaps I'll do a little videography to share.

Supposedly, I found some vows. I'm not convinced.

Niecezilla has invited us up Saturday to survey the party zone. She sent great pics, but they will be more helpful in recalling the room when planning later. She polished off a bottle of wine for me. Such a good niece. I think Scott got one more from work. Gotta start looking for the right candles. Actually what I need to do is go back over my wedding book to see if I'm forgetting anything.

The Other List

This morning I am just sitting here having my coffee preparing myself for the day. I say morning, but it's almost two. I call this the AM of the PM. The topic of food is still in flux. I will be satisfied if that's all we get sorted today.

Also on the agenda is cake. Or will it be cakes? Why are you asking me? We don't know yet.

Then my big personal project is vows. After my first idea was met with an icy reception, I found some lyrics I thought were touching... until Niecezilla pointed out that a reference to death might not go over so well. Looks like I have no choice but to write my own.

Now it's already 4 so while I fight with the government about paperwork (unrelated) and schedule a doctor's appointment (unrelated but remember when you had to have a blood test to get married?) Here is a list of dream wedding guests. We have our A list, so I guess these would be the * list.

Wendy Williams
Sarah Brightman
Anne Rice
Stephen Fry
Lynda Carter AS Wonder Woman (with cape)
Teletubbies
ANYONE Doctor Who related (I'm talking to you Colin, Katy, Nicola and Janet)
Stephen Moffat because besides Who he's bloody brilliant
Ricky Gervais
Australian Kath & Kim
Our cats
Dame Judi Dench
JK Rowling
Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton
Roger from American Dad
The entire cast of Vicious
George and Poppy Carlton
The no.5 robot from Short Circuit
Aubrey Plaza
Ana Faris and Chris Pratt
Dawn french and Jennifer Saunders
Hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler
with special guest star... Betty White

FLASH UPDATE

doot--doot--doot-doot

THIS JUST IN

After painstaking minutes of waiting, we have received word from Andrea, AKA, Niecezilla, that she will indeed take on the role of flower girl, putting an end to literally moments of speculation. Surely, we can all rest better in our bed tonight knowing how well things are coming together. With one slot left in the wedding party, ladies and gentlemen, tensions are high while breaths are held on the edges of seats in anticipation of negotiations. Will the wedding couple attain their first choice in every case, or will they encounter their next major hurdle in a majestic endeavor we are just seeing begun?

As always, we will keep you up to date on the proceedings as they unfold and how they impact us. You may move on to the next post.

Let Us Entertain You

Today I think we nailed down the procession. Am anxiously awaiting an answer from our potential flower girl. My good friend, Donna, is performing for our first dance. We are considering a different menu for the reception. Our biggest accomplishment was finishing the playlist for the reception. We should have enough music. Roughly, there are 13 hours of songs.

Hopefully we won't have a party of these kind of guests:

Instead we want people having fun:

Besides music, it hit me today that we are forgetting something else. Something that unites the masses time and time again. It brings together young and old... gay and straight... brown and pinkish... rich and poor... Hatfield and Mccoy. The search is on for the best in wedding...games!

Day Five: Who am I? When am I? Can you hear that smell?

Is this normal, the discombobulation? The haziness? I have no idea what day it is and I have periods where everything is forgotten. Thursday I was working on my book quite vigorously and now when I close my eyes I keep seeing flowers, ukuleles, string lights and jello shots. (seriously, what's the problem with jello shots that are color coordinated)

Things are looking good for the park ceremony and reception at my niece's. My niece, Andrea, did send me a link to some parks closer to her and there is one area I really like. Scott just got up so I'll show it to him soon. Crap, I'm starting to remember things. Hopefully he will text me when he finds out if we have a performer for the procession. This evening the officiant is calling me to discuss details. I let her know that we plan on including a handfasting, which, knowing Nan, she will be prepared for. Scott found a great little ceremony online so I'm going to run it by her.

Oh lord, my caffeine is flowing through my veins and Scott's awake so I'm back in zoom mode. He likes the park near Andrea, who just entitled herself as Niecezilla, so we will see about that location. I like renting it and not having to take a chance on the gazebo in our park being free, of both ceremonies and homeless.

I should make a list for today because I have to call yet a different counties' clerk's office to see if I can get my name change form from over 20 years ago mailed to me. If not, I need to plan a trip this week to go and get it. The one that's been in my wallet since day one can now be legally classified as ticker tape and it's essential to renewing my state I.D. I'm also sure there will be things I will want to discuss with Nan about the ceremony.

BREAKING NEWS
Well, looks like the gazebo in the park is still on. In the rules and regulations for the other park they say no musical instruments. Surely someone has married there before with some type of music. One song that she would play on a ukulele or acoustic guitar must be fine. I'm sure they're guarding against musical groups playing a set. I might sick Niecezilla on them to get approval. It's actually two songs, but once you're in, you're in.

I was the youngest child, the closest to a girl, so every time yet another wedding came along in the family I was always on the groom's side of things. It always seemed to me that the womens appeared frazzled as the day approached, but I never understood how they had a thousand decisions to make all at once. Some more than once when things got altered.

I feel ashamed because I have had two cigarettes and haven't even opened my planning book yet. Scott works tonight so no bumming cigarettes then. I can do this. All of it. I'm not alone, and I don't just mean Scott. I have a very special collection of friends who are there for us, any number of which could bring me a cigarette between 5-10 tonight.