Bridezilla has made an appearance...

It's a wonder anyone ever makes it to their own wedding without a wedding planner. The big things are easy, but the details? That's where everything seems to become overwhelming. Only a few times in my life have been more stressful than deciding which invitations I want, finding one I like that Drew likes, finding wording that we both like that doesn't offend family/friends/kids, arguing about the semantics, and then losing the spot you want to say your vows and having to start all over again.

Now that we DON'T have that out of the way lets get to the shoes!

Apparently every bride has smaller feet than the size they usually wear. Which means those of us who already wear 10s get to choose between size 11 atrocities without any style, no comfort, and they don't match ANYTHING for under $200. It's a good thing I didn't have to pay for the lengthening of my dress because it's a fucking quest to find the right pair of shoes.

The good news is that my dress, the bridesmaid dresses, and the grooms tuxes have been picked out. Now we just have to fit Drew into one :)

Ok, I'm still excited <3

Candy Addict

Anyone that knows me OBVIOUSLY knows how MUCH I love Mill Avenue in Tempe. It's where I instantly fell in love with the city; Hippie Gypsy, Metalhead at the Library on Thursday nights, Rula Bula and their craic...it's where I met the love of my life and where we celebrate our anniversaries, birthdays, holidays...and where we'll be getting married!

This weekend is Tempe Festival of the Arts. I only know because of Facebook (go figure). So since I've missed it every year since moving here (except wandering through the tents in the middle of the night after a Slice's visit) I finally had the day and time to go! To celebrate our birthday weekend we decided to ride the light rail in and wander around for a few hours.

I found several great booths to visit, several online shoppes to keep in mind, and a few beautiful necklace ideas for the wedding. On our travels and right after visiting the new taco shop and being mildly filled we stepped outside of the swing gates to the brick sidewalk.

And there it was...Candy Addict. The whole store filled with the candies and influences of many generations of kids back when penny candy was really just a penny instead of a dollar. Back when the candy cigarettes and chew were acceptable, before drug abuse education and rehab. I got a little teary eyed, not gonna lie. I was choked up just being in the store with all of my favorite candies from when I was a kid, things I haven't eaten in over a decade! Being that it's my birthday and I'm already feeling another day wiser and more comfortable in my skin I was already in a wonderful and emotional mood.

I then happened upon the bulk candy aisle...I went a little nuts. $15.66 later I walked out with 2 lbs of candy, two of each flavor, one for me, one for Drew, so we can experience each other's favorites as a child together and enjoy the memories together. But hey, birthday money rocks and all of the bills are paid so why the hell not!? My shoulder is a little sore from the added baggage in my purse being carried around for hours during our stops and visits but just thinking of the quality time that I'll be able to spend with my future hubs is more precious than money can buy.

Whoa! Where did the time go?

So it's obviously been MONTHS since I've had the opportunity (made the time) to update this page. A lot has happened since last July. Lawsuit settled. Painted walls. Moved back into our home. Spent a weekend away for the new bathroom installation. Got the full time position at work. Sold some homes. Drew and I both got promoted. Drew got some landscape side jobs. Thanksgiving with BOTH of our families meeting for the first time. Christmas (just the 6 of us). New Years in Glendale with great new friends. Engagement in January. Grape Ring Pop! Real Ring shopping. Ring design and finish (oh the anticipation). Countless nights out with great friends. Wedding dress shopping. Janella's my maid of honor. Kurt is Drews' best man. Wedding dress purchased. Bridesmaid dresses purchased. And now our birthdays.

No wonder I'm tired!!!

There are a dozen other things that have happened since my last update and are currently ongoing. My oldest nephew Travis is battling a chronic pain disorder at 17. Research and advice will be shared periodically.

My baby brother and his wife celebrated their one year anniversary....and their first pregancy! They are expecting a precious baby girl in August, just in time for my sister's birthday and our 3 year anniversary of our first laying eyes on each other. And my proclamation of "I want that one" when first seeing Drew. It's amazing the pathways life offers.

Anywho, it's been a long week and I'm off to bed. I must rest up for birthday weekend, which starts promptly at 8am Friday March 25th :D

Night all!