2007, part duex

Ok, I better hurry up and put the rest of the year into perspective before it gets away from me.

April was a big fun. I had a shiny rock on my finger to take home to visit the family for my cousin's baby shower. Perfect timing Mr. Mark, the ladies of my family sufficiently swooned and the wedding planning began in full tilt. There were guest lists to be made. Colors to pick, places to book, dresses to try on and cake to taste.



I must admit, I waded into the pool or wedding planning with a little trepidation. I've been in many weddings and seen even the most level-headed bride to be turn into a raving lunatic hours before her wedding. It seemed scary and made the idea of a destination wedding really attractive...for a minute. While destination weddings have their place and are certainly require minimal planning, we didn't want to deprive our families of a bash. Especially my nephews (and brother) who have been known to dance the night away.



Alas, a church wedding and reception bash were the plan. Signed, sealed and ready. Here we go. I also got my wedding dress in April. I approached dress shopping with as much zest as a chef might go after an onion. Get it over with. I know, it could have been a prolonged magical event. I knew what I didn't want so that narrowed the field significantly. I couldn't imagine myself in a dress that was wider than a doorway. I didn't need magic. This ain't no disco. I spent a week looking at a bridal mag -- and then bought the second dress I tried on. It was one of the few dresses on the rack in my size. My mom thought it would be a good point of reference. Turns out it was. The references were great and I said let's get it. She was flabbergasted, but I think relieved at the same time. There would be no multiple dress shopping trips, no meeting in Dallas or Chicago to scout out dresses. Here it was. Wrapped up and ready to go. Scratch that off the list.



The summer was spent getting my Beau's house ready to sell and redoing my hardwood floors. We lived in his house for week while the floors were getting stripped, sanded and refinished. It's sad when most of your worldly possessions fit into the kitchen, stacked ceiling high. Earlier in the summer I had a garage sale and sold the couch and loveseat that came from my dad's basement. It serve me well, but it was time for a change. Too bad we're still using the futon I bought for $100 from a friend who was moving when I lived in Texas.



In July, my Beau and I combined households. I think this was most painful for him. Records were sold. CD and clothing discarded. I'm still going through mine. But since then we've lived in a state of chaos. One room is filled with boxes of books and clothes. Another room (still filled with crap) is where we and the two dogs sleep. Doesn't seem right. I think we're finally addressing it, and trying to get things organized. This has been nearly as stressful as planning a wedding.



In September we hit the road to see the Beastie Boys on the final night of their North American tour. On the shores of Lake Michigan we beatboxed and bobbed. My bro and his wife had a rare night without children and went with us. Holla at yo' boy. That trip also included a visit to scooterworks...where are Stella scooters were born. Very underwhelming and exciting at the same time. Is that possible? Got some chrome accessories that we've yet to put on the bikes. Sadly, they stayed stabled all fall. That's not acceptable.



Winter was good. We went to Lake Wister for Mark's birthday and took in the fall colors. It was nice to get out of town and remember what it was like when we were just dating. Not worrying about yours, mine and ours. We also made a trip home for Thanksgiving. My family through the first of our wedding showers...fun, fun. You don't realize how much stuff you might need until you spend the day at Macy's just putting things on a registry. Surely we need more kitchen stuff?



Mark's house was still for sale. Two house payments for one person is too much. We both got holiday retail jobs. I'm at Pier I, he's at the dreaded mall. We made it through December, a little worse for the wear, but I think we're recovering. Often we were working 18 hour days, while happy shoppers were oblivious and sometimes rude. But after all that, the house has sold. Well, I say sold while holding my breath. We still need to get the papers signed over ...and then we'll have some money again.



So we start 2008, older and wiser. My only hope is that this year will be less chaotic than last, but that's probably a little too optimistic.



I promise not to be so long-winded in 2008. A year is a lot to take stock of.