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?