Countdown...

3.5 weeks and counting- obviously life has caught up with me as I haven't posted since spring break. i'll do other-than-wedding items first.

Got a job- sort of. In addition to regular subbing at NTHS, I sort of fell into a "long term" sub position at new trier. (quotes on the long term because 5-6 weeks to the end of the year- this friday- isn't exactly long, but i'll take it.) I taught the unit on student congress (aka congressional debate) to freshman at NT-Northfield. it was actually a lot of fun- great kids. and it gave me the chance to sub everywhere else at northfield because i was there every day anyway. English is of course what I can do "best," but the staff and faculty there are terrific- the Dept. Assts are all fabulous and super nice. I like it when I actually get to "do" something with the kids, but the last 2 weeks or so was a lot of review (finals are this week). Otherwise, my grading is almost totally complete and I'm looking for jobs for the fall. (Sadly, NT has yet to post ANY teaching positions- I look every other day!)

Spent a chunk (2 days) of Memorial Day weekend up in Wisconsin at Fester's cottage- the dock was already in, but Tom helped the guys do more stonework (now that the septic tank is in) and Barb and I did kitchen super-clean and lighter general house cleaning (mostly because we super cleaned the house last year- but not the kitchen. so we didn't have to do the major cleaning on the rest of the house- i dusted for cobwebs and did a general dusting, and went to the laundromat for the annual sheets-and-towels washing. Helped Barb change the bed linens and she finished the vacuuming i missed as well as did bathrooms. (which kind of worked out well because i'm not a fan of bathrooms!) so the house is effectively open and ready for summer. The addition of the septic tank (instead of "field") limits our water usage, so the rules of water use change- and likely some things change (like probably new water-saver toilets by the end of summer... not an easy change, but probably necessary.)
(The reason for this update is not only to document our Mem. Day weekend activities, but also the update on our honeymoon location- at the cottage. We're ready! -mostly, anyway.)

Okay, the wedding update.

Had my first psuedo-meltdown about 2 weeks ago. source of meltdown was lack of stuff done and the advent of the 6-weeks mark. Tom, of course, has been working and has 4 preps and crazy kids and end-of-year stress- none of which I blame him for- it was all necessary and logical. but i needed to be more proactive in getting him to answer a few questions and "do" a few things and so i freaked out a little bit. and that friday when he came home we sat down for an hour and answered all questions and now things are fine.
except for the occasional "geez it's only (x time) away!" but that is getting less as i check more off the list. getting past this weekend, i think, will help.

However: Music, readings, programs, etc, for wedding are done. Okay, not exactly. programs need assembling, but that is an activity set for Saturday evening with help while boys are bachelor party-ing it up. Also will likely tie ribbons on bells. (alternative to bubbles. didn't want bubbles.) Ribbons are already cut- did that while watching Olbermann last night.

Photo sheets are in- and that was a step (8 pages!). we think we have all the photo requests, and we get to talk to Freddie (our fabulous photographer) a week before to "clarify" some of the weird intricacies of our group and ideas.

The next major for filling out stuff is DJ, and i need Tom to confirm a few things before we do that- though I'll probably call them soon.

Scheduled: hair test (tomorrow), hair color, and cake tasting (both next weekend). Need to schedule nails, and then final hair appointments (after test, of course).

In all, feeling a little better about reception as well. RSVPs due this weekend (send those suckers in!), but did a preliminary "possibles" table-setting last weekend and am less stressed about that. Better.

On top of all this (i know- as if i need more) is 4th of July. Really this organization runs itself, and i think that, and the fact that everyone knows i'm getting married the week before, helps me to know that things will work and i don't need to worry too much about it. The people on C-Team are great and know their stuff and I can "stop out" effectively after parade assembly until after the wedding and everything will still come off just fine. It will be good.

so- we keep counting down and getting stuff done! and it will be one great, big party. hooray!

Spring Break!

This week is spring break. There is no subbing for me (almost glad for a break, but thankful to be getting work!) and a needed break for Tom. Though we have a list 10 miles long of things we'd like to accomplish during break- mostly outdoor and garage projects- summer prep-related.

This week is also Holy Week, which means I'll be at church nearly every day, with either and actual service or a rehearsal or meeting of some type. and I actually really enjoy Holy Week- likely in the neurotic way that most Lutherans actually enjoy Lent. (Really, with Holy Week being the culmination of Lent, isn't that appropriate? I'm almost ready to say "H---------!" again- if you don't know what that is, wait until Easter Day and go ask a Lutheran.)

This year we have the luxury of having Passover (Pesach) happen during Holy Week. While at church, we will be observed a shortened seder=like dinner on Thursday, my family is going to "real" family seder on Monday night. I look forward to this all year, as it is fun, meaningful, good food and company, but really enlightens my understanding of why we, as Christians, celebrate Easter. In part, I am confused on why Christians no longer celebrate some of the Jewish holidays- it is the foundation of our faith and many of the traditions make so much sense. In my mind, they give more meaning to the faith I believe- and the traditions which the church sometimes seems to really lack. That and I've never really gotten a straight answer to why we DON'T observe some of these holidays/festivals in the same way, when some of them (like Passover) I really think we should.

The Wall Street Journal had a great article last week on Passover and the modernizing of the holiday- the tagline was "Passover Meets Twitter"- but I do encourage a reading. The seder we attend is a family seder and it does include "acting out" the plagues- and part of the levity of the celebration, and its participatory nature, helps me understand it even more.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703909804575123562145336920.html?KEYWORDS=New+Seder


As we move into spring break and holy week, we also enter the last 3 months of wedding planning. And I must again revisit some of the prescribed lists to figure out what I have to do next. I feel this is partially a time of "hurry up and wait," which is a little unnerving. Mostly because I am not sure what I need to be doing, if anything yet. It is too early for many things and other things, I think, are either done or in a holding pattern until after Easter (like some service prep and pre-marriage counseling, though the inventories start this week for us).

In other news, I finally posted the Hawaii pictures to Facebook. Next will be a brief section of shower photos- I don't really feel the need to post pictures of Tom and I with almost every gift- though some of the shots are kind of fun and funny, and therefore those will get posted later in the week.

Shower!

First a note of accomplishment:

All the tuxedo information has been sent out to the guys. (After I discovered that I was supposed to assist in this process by creating the section of the email with all the numbers and names they need.) Tom sent it an inadvertently said the deadline was April 25th. (It's May 25th. Oops. Now it will look like our guys are super ahead of the game, I guess!)

But this weekend was our shower!

A huge thank-you to our moms especially who did the most fantastic job putting on a beautiful shower. Thank you to those who helped, who attended, and who enjoyed everything that had to do with it! (and those who assisted in transporting the gifts back home!)

Tom and I are feeling very blessed to have family who traveled across state lines to attend, some of whom stayed an extra day or two. We received so much of what we registered for, and the gifts were not only practical, but so thoughtful and generous! We really are blessed to know such kind people!

Saturday evening, post-shower and in comfier clothing, we managed to start to sort and organize and begin to store some things (like china and towels) for later use. We decided that some things we would use right away- mostly kitchen stuff, like bakeware and my new spice grinder- hooray! Then we celebrated with leftover shower food (of which there was really not much- we actually picked up more on the way home!) and either beer or lemon drop martinis, pending persuasions.

With the direction of Maia, Mom and I also learned how to play carcassonne this weekend- a very fun game which will probably be used frequently in rotation with settlers now.

All in all, a stellar weekend.

On to more research paper and thank-you notes!!

Into March...

We're starting to notice signs of spring (in particular the SUN and melting snow!) and beginning to realize that we're getting married in a bout 3.5 months. And that feels SOON.
So- the update.

1. Tuxes chosen (Tom has to send out that email with info, or is required to get me other emails!)
2. Wedding bands ordered- and finished. I pick them up on Friday.
3. Dress fitting number one- and the biggest, I'm sure (3 inches off the hem, and shoulder straps taken in.)
4. (which actually happened before "3") appropriate undergarments purchased. (the back is kind of low)
5. Tasting is TOMORROW.
6. Shower is SATURDAY. (checking registries is one of the most entertaining things I have ever done!!)
7. Dress fiasco sorted out- I think.

Explanations of course warranted on number seven. Everyone knows we picked the color (platinum) very early in our engagement- like in October of 2008. Seriously. Picked the designer for bridesmaids dresses (separates) and all was fine. Until about last month when people were getting ready to order them and PLATINUM HAD BEEN DISCONTINUED.
Grr.
So some other designers have platinum, and it's a little darker, but passable. and another designer has "pewter," which is like the other designer's "platinum." I finally picked a couple of designers and a couple of colors (all close to the same, just called something different for each), and then just get whatever is comfortable. Mostly I'm ready to have the clothings portion done. Seriously.

On the plus side, I got a lovely box today with 4 place settings of our new flatware. score!

And now- the writing of the thank-you notes begins!!

Lent

I'm a Lutheran, and you may know that we all have some crazy fascination with Lent, whether or not we admit it. Unlike other religions, there isn't really a "requirement" to give up something for Lent, though some do. (It's more of a challenge/test of fortitude. I usually try to do something better- like eat better or exercise- it's more of a time to reinstate New Year's resolutions that have fallen by the wayside.)
Anyway- here were are at the very beginning of Lent.
I spent the week before Lent in 80+ degree Maui, enjoying salt water, whales, relaxing time with Tom, and the amazing island itself.
I came back remembering I had agreed to write a Lenten devotion- I finally finished it, and I share it with you.

The suggestion was to reflect on the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness- the passage specifically from Luke 4:1-2. The prompt suggests that Lent is thought of as a wilderness experience, and we could reflect on that idea- our own experience, or the scripture passage, or wherever the Spirit leads. A combination of thoughts and some inspiration from the trip lead to the following:

I spent the week preceding Lent this year in Maui. The trip was incredible and we saw some really powerful aspects of God’s creation throughout the week. With the help of a guidebook, we took a “scenic drive” around the north-western part of the island. One of the highlights was a spot called the Nakalele Blowhole. (The name doesn’t even begin to describe it.) We were so awestruck by the power of nature here that we actually went back a second time to take more pictures and just see what some simple salt water can do.
The majesty has its limitations, though. The guidebook reminds you that “this is wilderness. There is no guard-rail to stop you from shrinking the gene pool should you use bad judgment and fall into the hole.” It goes on to suggest using common sense as you approach and specifies what times the blowhole might be at its “best” in terms of water spray. It was, both time, amazing and awesome.
What does this have to do with Lent? Wilderness is present in both Jesus experience and in ours. Even though Jesus suffered temptations and hunger, there is nothing in scripture that says the experience was negative. A test, a trial, a temptation- could these not also be what our parents used to call “character building experiences?” Can’t wilderness be awe-inspiring and amazing?

During Lent, I encourage you to find the amazing in the wilderness before you.



Even if you are not a faith-filled person, I encourage you to find the positive in wilderness.

February

Well, we're at the under-5-months mark, and still a fair amount to do. I'm trying to chip away at the wedding details without freaking out. I'm also trying to involve Tom in as much as possible in the least amount of time. (In other words, I do all the research and pricing and present him with options. Lesson planning (4 preps!) is rather time consuming for him right now!!

So- we're plugging along. China pattern finally agreed on. Yet to add placemats/napkins, but also not overly concerned about it yet. (Need to do pre-Friday.)
Tasting scheduled for February 24th- for dinner. Following that we meet with bakery people. (Hoping for cupcakes, variation on flavors, and at least a few gluten-free ones!!)
Have to schedule appointment with jeweler, but I now know what I'm looking for for Tom's ring. (Frankly, I think I kind of get off easy on this one!)

Bridal shower is March 13th, which is nice. I really am hoping to get certain stuff then so I can start using it, but it's silly to ask for specific priorities- just happy to get things needed and that will be used and appreciated!

Otherwise- we leave for Maui on Saturday. Kind of a "pre-honeymoon," gift from Tom's parents. (they have a time share in Maui, and are taking us this year because once we're both full time teaching, a full week in February becomes an impossibility- or at least not a great idea!!) So we're getting excited, though Tom is slightly overwhelmed by having to do a week of sub plans for four different classes! (not that I blame him!)

Looking forward to some good "beach reads" on this trip- though my beach reading is probably not standard! On the top of my list is "Liberty" by Garrison Keillor, to really get my head into parade-mode, as that will also kick up once I'm back to reality!!

Really- ready for warm weather. Though will likely not mind an escape from Chicago politics at present!

Updates on the planning process

Okay, I officially feel like progress has been made this past week, so I can actually blog about it!

1) Save-the-dates have almost entirely been mailed. (If you EVER need photo cards in the future, I HIGHLY recommend costco. Wow, what a deal!)

2) Because save-the-dates are mailed, this means that I have a complete (i think) guest list with ALL addresses on a spreadsheet that I can update as necessary. And therefore a list of current addresses to use for all other mail-related correspondence in the future (even not wedding-related!)

3) We registered. With the exception of a few items that don't "come out" until spring (like 3 weeks or so) and a china setting. Apparently what we originally both liked isn't "fancy" enough for formal china. I disagree and believe in simple elegance, but am being open to thinking about it. For about another 2 weeks and then we HAVE to make a decision.)

4) Met with and priced and then chose a florist. (Phew.) Will have to decide on things like altar flowers and pew decorations (if using and then what they should be), but the contract is signed and the deposit is down.)

5) Selected tuxes. This was a HUGE endeavor. And if any bridal store tells you that their colors complement at a tuxedo place, THEY LIE. Anyway, Tom is good with colors and therefore we spent about 3 hours picking out stuff we think will match effectively and actually look good on a multitude of shapes/sizes. And then Tom got measured, too, so I think we're on our way with that.

6) A shower is being planned by the moms and local female relatives on Tom's side. This is good, because bridesmaids are spread out around the country and there are a lot of local women who will want a shower so it needs to happen. I am told I am not supposed to help, but I did provide my part of the guest list. (and we registered, which apparently everyone has been asking about. except not asking us, so we didn't know.)

7) Selected a photo to frame instead of a guestbook (in place of- you sign the mat board). Went to get it custom framed at Michael's this weekend for 55% discount. Nice.

8) Okay, hard to count this one among "my" accomplishments, but it is important: we installed a new pastor at church on Sunday so now we have an officiant! Hooray! (meaning we can get to work on the church portion of this whole thing.)

9) We're going to Maui in February because Tom's parents rock. And we are SOOOOO excited about this! (Okay, i really am, and i think Tom would be if he didn't have so much prep for school to do in order to be gone for a week. he'll be excited on the plane and when we get there!!)

So we're moving along. Need to do rings soon, and start dress fittings. (Like chop 2 inches off the bottom is in the first installment for sure!)

Time for Wedding Posts

Okay, we are less than t-minus 6 months from the big day. Stuff is beginning to heat up in life as a whole, and we're really attempting to stay on track with some of the planning- now that the details are in.

SO: we have to register. Some of you know that much of household is kind of "set"- we live at home (with my mom- if you know her, you totally understand why that rocks)- and therefore a lot of things we have- or, at least, have access to now and will have forever more (or until they break/die). We have some "basics" we're planning on getting- like sheets, towels (that actually match!!), and some kitchen ware that has been in existence since my parents were married and before, so well past its prime (or dead).

But, marrieds and unmarrieds with good ideas, I ask an important question:
What did you register for that turned out to be a great thing to have? What did you NOT register for that you wish you had? OR- what do you think would be really useful or fun to stick on a registry that you might use in the future, in any house/living situation?

Thanks... I think we're supposed to start this weekend. (eek!)

next up... flowers.

always time for a little nap?

Right- haven't blogged in about a month. That whole teaching thing gets to be rather consuming- for real. 5 classes is a lot- even if it's only really 2.5 preps. (this will change for my last two weeks, where i go to 3 full preps, though one will be shared with history- and that gets complicated, at least, to a point. will be interesting, anyway!!)

so this is assessment week- tests! the end of quarter is friday. grades are due next week, wednesday morning, for quarter grade reports. which means i spend my weekend GRADING ESSAYS. (ask me if i'm excited about this. no, really. seriously.)

anyway- then end is almost in sight. and so far, i'm exhausted, but not entirely dead. at least, not yet. i think the weekend may just kill me, but i'm banking on that extra hour.

FALL BACK, everyone!

this whole teaching thing

So student teaching is progressing. I was observed for the first time (of usually 4 times) this week. I am glad it's over most of all, but I think it went pretty well. I had a solid lesson and the students worked in small groups so I got to demonstrate more than lecturing or discussion, which I think is hard to pull off well without more practice- like on Friday. Though with some good comments and suggestions after 5th period (which didn't go as well as planned- good comments, but I sucked at structuring it), 8th period went really pretty well, and the discussion worked. I wish the period was about 5 minutes longer, but there was more wrap-up from Thursday than planned for. It was good, and necessary, but the balance of timing on that group is really a challenge. But my cooperating teacher thinks that it kind of is too, and he thinks I did pretty well. it all creates some serious grading for me this weekend (like more than just quiz grading), but it's worth it. I have to work on a really good couple of lessons for next week- I'm sure at least one will be discussion, but I think I probably need to put something else in, too. But to facilitate a discussion well you need good practice, so I think I may end up doing that a few more times to work on skills there- because I like that best, and these short stories tend to work well in discussion scenarios.

anyway- any great ideas for introducing puritanism as I begin to plan to switch units into Crucible and Scarlet Letter?

week 2

Okay, so it's really more like week 1.5 (the first truly "full" week). Last week was a full week, but Monday was shortened, Institute day for teachers only and Tuesday was a short day more for scheduling and "policies" signature documents.
We did stuff Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (mostly reading and writing assessments), and now we're on to the "real" stuff. Details on that later in the week, I think!

Otherwise had a lovely visit with college advisors this weekend and ate probably way too much so am back to the better eating again. :o)

Not overly much to do for school at this point so I'm trying to pace myself and do a little work ahead and some research so I don't get totally swamped. So far I think it's going okay.

In other news- I am SOOOO excited it's football season again. A sport I can fully comprehend and appreciate- GO BEARS.


Have lovely beginning-of-school to all of you!

soon and very soon

i start student teaching on monday. with only 1.5 working days (read:week days) left of "freedom," i begin to freak out.
i believe this is not really freaking out about school beginning and more about a new routine that is, at present, foreign to me.

i really do like change. and i typically embrace change.

it's the leading-up-t0-change that absolutely makes me nutty (and, likely by design, everyone around me).

running out to pick up a few things for dinner earlier this afternoon, i passed a staples store. and i paused to think about school supplies. i mean, i do start high school again (in a manner of speaking) on monday, after all.

and i have NO IDEA what i need. they should really make back-to-school supply lists for teachers and not just students. (remember when you had to bring a box or 2 of kleenex for the classroom so there would be enough for the school year? and when you had to bring a change of clothes to keep in your locker in elementary school?)

anyway... now that my three weeks are almost up- this should get interesting!

The end of days...

Today is my last day at current job.

This is kind of a surreal experience. I don't the desktop of my computer has ever been so "clean" (even when I first arrived), and my morning is consisting of posting "I'm no longer here" aut0-replies and messages. Well, and cleaning out my email inbox of all personal emails, as that mailbox will be turned over. Interesting.

Given that it is a Friday, it's also somewhat odd that everyone asks "oh, your last day?" and yes, it is- but it's also the weekend so everyone is leaving between 12:30 and 1 anyway, so it's somewhat anti-climactic. and as the "farewell breakfast" was Wednesday, the past day (and half-day today) mostly end up as filler... I mean, new position trained in, given over.... not much left for me to do, really. I hope that means I did okay with training, etc- but, then again- well, you have to let it go.

I'm giving back keys, cards, files, email inbox, etc... sure it's a little weird- but really, that's life. so I go home this afternoon to pack (Michigan for 10 days or so) and go to see HP 6 and have mexican for dinner.

All in all- an excellent plan for a last-day.

I'd say "so long, suckers," but i'd be lying- i think i'll miss this place. honestly. but i'll be back in april- at least for a weekend :o)

pictures

okay, a couple of pictures. The shoes are exact. The dress is the same style/cut, but the detailing is different (couldn't find the exact one).

http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplayView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&catentryId=6110579

http://www.davidsbridal.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplayView?storeId=10052&catalogId=10051&categoryId=-49997462&currentIdx=11&subCategory=-49998498|-49997996&catentryId=6087422&sort=

bingo!

fruitful weekend.

dress purchased.
also shoes.
also veil.
also headpiece (tiara-thingy).

all a good deal.

rather pleased with self.

Question

Okay, you all know the saying, "something old and something new, something borrowed and something blue" does this mean the bride needs to wearing all these things, or can the groom be doing some of the wearing, or can it be in things you USE in the wedding?

Let's say, for example, a friend has offered me something that would be of use in the wedding ceremony/service- to borrow. Does that count as my borrowed?

If Tom wears a blue pocket silk (i don't think we're going the pocket silk route, but it was the first thing that came to mind), does that qualify as the blue?

and can you could the dress as new (if it is), given that some people do get resale dresses or remake friends/family members dresses?

just wondering....

it begins...

I have finally sucked it up and made an appointment to go and begin trying on dresses. I was somewhat perplexed at the questions you answer when just setting up a trying-on session. The salewoman asked me what kinds of dresses I would be trying on. I said "brides?" (because really, isn't that what you try on?) Her response "okay, bridal gowns?" elicited nothing more than an "uh, sure" from me.

you should know that the above interchange happened only after she asked my wedding date. hrm.

so, i did what all bride book advice tells you and gave her a fake date about a month prior to my actual wedding date. (for her purposes, May 22 instead of June 26.) Anyway- I'm taking my mom and we're going to play "dress up" in "gowns" Saturday afternoon.

side note: you know how some people get all skeevie about the word "panties?" (i'm neither here nor there about it.) I think I have the same feeling about the word "gown." i think this may come from being an English major with an affinity for Austen novels- i tend to think of gown in the sense of dressing gown and then i get weird images of old men with funky facial hair a-la-mr. bennett. So i'm getting a dress. not a gown. i don't care what those people call it.

I also believe that those "countdown" calendars and clocks, etc, are meant to freak you out. Then again, I had the church and the hotel picked out well ahead and didn't need to do anything else. Even had photographer ahead of time due to a good deal plus coupon.
Now, however, being less than a year away, and actually coming on 11 months away, I start hitting the "crap, haven't thought about that yet," and realizing, promptly, that i will have NO time to do any of this in the fall while student teaching- and therefore abot 4 weeks to get it all tucked in before then.
(engagement photos need to be scheduled, but likely not actually taken until september or october.) Gotten some quotes from DJs, working on florists- budget- feeling kind of overwhelmed, but also just fine about it.


odd. i am slightly unnerved by this feeling of calm and believe it will be fleeting. for now, i guess i'll take it!

vacation

having just spent an enormously slugginess-filled long-weekend in new hampshire, mostly in the sun and/or on a boat, work today was a bit tough to wake up to. why is that?
we purposefully planned to come home somewhat earlier (1 pm arrival at O'Hare) in order to be able to kind of recover from travel, much food/drink, family, etc, and deal with the unpacking and laundry, pick up necessary groceries, and get to bed at a decent hour.
I need to remind myself that, regardless of said pre-planning: work is never easy to come back to after that kind of break!

and here i am. it's time to begin counting down the days at this point- 11.5 working days left, not including today. That's given no other days off (and it's looking like there is an impending 1/2 friday that i'll take to make sure i get all my appointments and check-ups in while still fully covered health/dental.) (yes, i'll still have health care, but let's be real- get the stuff done that has to get done while other people pay and you're not shelling your life out to cobra!)

really- i just don't have many days left. just over 2 weeks. hm. sometimes, that hardly seems possible. and, amidst it all, there is still work to be done here, so i can't just give over to my replacement or stop doing things- it is odd to have a laundry list to accomplish and then train a person- and it's odd when you're trying to do this and figure out what the priority is- and when this all happens. hrm.

in other news- tom has made stupendous progress in our garage and we may be close to ready to garage sale. (interesting- i can't even remember the last time we held one of those- not even sure it was in our present house). so this may be interesting. i'll try to get the organ information up here- not that any of you all would be interested in an antique organ that needs some repair to be play-able, but it's kind of interesting what we've found out, just the same (and by we i mean tom and his penchant for research into odd things).

on to other things? i need to clean/organize the basement next. and it should probably happen pre-garage sale in order to get rid of stuff i no longer use/need (which is probably much more than i realize!!)

new things

so, major life changes happening with wedding, student teacher, etc. no biggie.

today, the person who will replace me started. this is a weird mix of emotions that causes some inner turmoil- and basic exhaustion.

i have no problem with this, knowing that she is likely qualified and i'm leaving on amicable terms, etc, but it's still weird to share 3.5 weeks with someone who will fully replace me and what i do.

i don't want things to be awkward, but i feel that's somewhat inevitable. has anyone had this? what do you do? or what suggestions might you have?

in other news- the FAFSA form is next to impossible. and that's just the end of it.

VBC, etc

this week is VBC (vacation bible CAMP) at church. Due to working downtown and the current ineffectivity of my shoulder, i am "acting" in the nightly dramas. Tonight is the last night (and therefore the potluck). I will reprise my role as Felicity Snootlithe, Foreign Correspondent for the "Heavenly Times." (we're doing St. Paul and the Early Church as the theme this year.)
Anyway... i'm kind of a snobby foreign correspondent with a sloppy British accent (though the sloppy is my own and not written into the script. effect of not having done dialogue in quite some time as well as effects of vicodin for shoulder pain- NO, i didn't drive myself!!)

Otherwise: day off tomorrow for appointment with rheumatologist which happens to fall SMACK in the middle of the day (moderately annoying!) and is the only appointment available this week. Unsure why the ER docs decided rheumatologist, but there it is. My hunch is there will a CT scan or MRI in my future- hopefully near rather than far so we can decrease drugs and ice-pack-frequency!!

Tomorrow, however, is also T-minus one year to wedding day. Sometimes, that's not a big deal. Other times, I can't believe it's only a year away and I start to worry about budget, looking for a dress, little details, and the fact that student teaching makes up my life from mid/late August until mid December, and that moderately freaks me out. Especially because I'm sure there's stuff I have to DO in preparation for wedding things somewhere in there, while i know that student teaching consumes your life and them some in process.
This *is* all going to be fine.

I just need to remind myself of that sometimes. This may require some therapy this weekend.
(therapy of this type typically means cooking in quantity. i think i need to get the refill propane tank, soak some mesquite or hickory chips, and make sure I have enough vinegar to make pickles while making everything else on the grill.)

now, if i can just get off the drugs I can enjoy all of this with a nice sangria.....