I remember that date like it was yesterday! Happy anniversary honey! I LOVE YOU!

Remember that scene in Sex and the City when she was getting into the limo “It’s like stuffing a cream puff into a keyhole.“? Yes, I love that show and now all wedding will reference to it. I even asked the woman at the salon if she had a bird I could put in my hair like Carrie. I wasn’t serious, but I think she thought I was. I got an odd look. And the girl helping out, a high schooler, gave me a blank stare. Kids today!

Come on Sex and the City fans, you know that scene:

“I but a bird on my head for him!“

“That was a bird? I thought it was feathers.“

“No, it was a bird.“

“Oh… it was nice.“

“Thanks.“

Hee hee… Liann, help me out here.

I have a binder organized with check lists, vendors, dates, budget sheets, etc. My mom was quite impressed with my system. She then mentioned I ought ot organize my personal budget that way but I digress.

My goal is to keep things tight and not spend money on silly things. I’m realistic about it all. I have a limited budget and really, I think it’s about getting the ones we love together to celebrate our union, not about facny ice sculptures and $10,000 wedding dresses. I want it to be meaningful.

With that said, we’ve talked to our Reverend, interviewed some banquet halls and I’m ready to set a date. I have a date in September 2009 in mind, but I have to make sure it matches up with both the church and the hall. So, that may be a challenge. If we can’t get the September date, or any, we’ll move it to November. October will be completely avoided. (His first marriage was in October and for once I’m going to be petty and demand to have my own month. I want it to be special.)

Tomorrow my mom and my friend Heather and I are going to look for wedding dresses. I have an appointment at just one bridal salon. I’m sure I was supposed to have picked out a good bra or foundation wear in preparation for trying dresses on, but I haven’t. I’m winging it. I’m only going to look, but I am going with an open mind. The salon I have an appointment with has samples in plus sizes so I’ll be able to see what the styles look like on me. A lot of salons just carry size eight in samples and I’m not sure I could get a size eight over my right thigh. I’d be worse than bathing suit shopping to put myself through that.

So, like I said, I’m going with an open mind. I do have a designer in mind (yup, it’s in my binder) and I know a place an hour away in Massachusetts carries it, but I’d like to see what this place offers. I do know I want sleeves on my dress (chubby arms need not be exposed except on the beach) and I don’t want it low cut. I’d like a modest dress. I read an article in the Times that said it’s a new trend. Who knew I was so with the times, for once.

So wish me luck as I start this journey of wedding planning!

But I hate the cold. It’s miserable. And now the pugs are not pleased. Getting leashes on them is hard enough in the morning as Duke dances around playing the “catch me if you can, sucka” game. I know I can’t let him out without another layer. He’s “muscle and blood” as Cella says and he’s got barely any fat on him to keep him warm. Murphy on the other hand has a good layer. LOL (It’s ok smoosh, momma is the same.)

There was rumors of snow flurries last night. Nothing came. But it was 30 degrees. Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…. I’m just not ready for it.

But I am ready to put my tree up. I’ve decided that next weekend Cella and I will put it up and decorate it. Perhaps I need to tell Jeff of this plan. Eh, he’s been playing Christmas music off and on for a month now. He’ll dig it.

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!

And Mike, after the last upgrade, this problem is nothing. (Thank you for the upgrade!!!!)

I’ve managed to hack her site back together, but under the covers its pretty ugly. Somewhere in the upgrade from Expression Engine 1.6.0 to 1.6.6, her templates got pretty messed up. We’re might have to have to bribe Paul to do a real repair job.

We’ll get it fixed, Sam. We always do.

I ate at a lovely Irish pub in town called Murphy’s while I was in VA. Good beef stew and awesome Murphy’s Irish Stout. I resisted buying a Murphy’s tee-shirt. Next time perhaps.

Today my friend Michael picked me up after my last meeting, and we’re hanging out. I got to see his lovely girl, Mille (you should all be pea-green with envy because she’s the queen of all pugs), and Michael and I just came from a great night out. He’s a gracious host and it’s wonderful to see him again.

Tomorrow I head further south to see my friend Ginger, along with her pug Jackson and pug mix Sammy. My pug friends are so are generous and wonderful for letting me crash and visit.

On another note, I do miss my Jeff and my boys terribly. Jeff said Murphy was a little mopey for a few days when I left. (Duke doesn’t care apparently, but it’s ok because I knew he was a Daddy’s boy!) I’ve talked to Jeff like three times a day since I’ve been in DC, and that doesn’t count all the texts I’ve sent back and forth. While I’m enjoying my time here, I really can’t wait to be back in his arms. I had a comfy bed in the hotel but I just couldn’t get a good night sleep. I can’t wait till I’m by his side, cuddling and drifting off to sleep. I know, I sound pathetic. I can’t help it though - I’m in LOVE!!!

I love you Jeff and I can’t wait to jump (gingerly of course) into your arms at the airport. LOVE YOU!

Just had to brag about my PV travels!

But first I plan on heading over to the used book store. I want to find an old children’s Christmas book and use it for the cover and back cover with some alterations. I was inspired to do this by a girl on my board who is ripping apart an old encyclopedia and altering it. I am so excited about this project. Another friend is using wrapping paper for some of the pages. Fabulous idea! How many times have you seen really cute paper and thought what a shame it is to wrap the gift and just have it thrown out. I’ve been know to save paper with no ideas of what to do with it. Now I know what to do with it!!!!

I’ve gotten so many wonderful ideas from these creative ladies. I can’t wait to start it!

Can you believe it? Woo-Hoo!

And before you all ask for pictures, there is no rock. From as far back as I can remember I’ve never wanted one. I like to be different and frankly, the diamond industry is really corrupt. So, I have a simple silver claddagh on my hand that I just love to pieces since it’s from my Irish boy. But we do plan to pick out some nice Celtic bands.

I’m getting married!