bridesmaids

How many is too many bridesmaids? 

I'm just not sure what to do about them! I have a number of close friends, and I've been in a number of weddings too. I could have seven, I could have nine. Is nine too many? Most people say yes it is too many, but also, to do what you want, as it's your wedding. True, but perhaps easier said than done? I don't want to offend people, nor hurt any feelings, and I am feeling so torn about this! 

How many bridesmaids did you have? How many is the most you've seen at a wedding that you've either been in or attended? 

ettiquette?

As I mentioned, my sister is engaged and planning her wedding for this November. She and Scott, her fiance, are working on registries. They had set one up at Macy's, and then found that several things had been discontinued, so over the weekend, they went to work on them.

Here's the situation-

They went to Bed Bath and Beyond to do a registry there, and before, she checked the Macy's list to see which items were still needed, and also which things should be deleted from

Macy's and add to BBB, based on price.

Side note- apparently Macy's has an app that emails you everytime someone buys from your registry?! How awful, I think!

Meanwhile, the Macy's app showed that someone bought the set of everyday glasses and the silverware that they registered for. Apparently the buyer in question is the best friend of my sister's best friend's sister (does that make sense?). So, Bethany's best friend is A, A's sister is B, and B's best friend is C, who bought these two things from the registry.

Bethany, of course, knows C, and they are friendly, but they are certainly not friends. C was at A's wedding, and we all saw her then, but that was the last time, and that was almost three years ago. Bethany and C certainly don't talk often, maybe the occasional facebook note, but nothing more. We can't imagine that C would think she would be invited to the wedding. Bethany has sent out save the dates, but C didn't get one, obviously, and they were sent out a month ago, and mentioned on facebook, so C would likely have seen that post, knowing they had gone out and then she didn't receive one at the time, or since!

It just seems so strange that C would buy Bethany a gift, and buy two things, at that.  Bethany said that she was planning to delete that silverware, as she later learned that it isn't great quality and out mother suggested something nicer. So, they added a different set.

Now Bethany is feeling weird that C bought them stuff, and isn't sure what to do. Should they return them? She doesn't think that she can ask A or B about it, because it is an awkward situation.

It just seems to be really strange to both of us!

Have you ever been in a similar situation? What would you do if you were Bethany? Is this the strangest thing you've ever heard????



black tie affair?

I have a wedding to attend in July, and it's black tie. Not black tie optional, but black tie. In Georgetown, the swankiest part of DC, at a fancy-pants hotel, at the end of July. I've never been to a black tie wedding! I was under the impression that black tie means long gown, but to me, most long gowns look like bridesmaid dresses. I don't want to clash with them (I should find out what color their dresses are, eh?) and I am just not sure what to wear! I love dressing up, but am paranoid that I will somehow dress wrong!

I saw this dress on Nordstrom's website and am really liking it. The price isn't so bad either! It comes in navy or gunmetal. I am liking the gunmetal, actually, and also, my sister's bridesmaid dresses are navy, and I probably don't need two long navy gowns....

What do you think? Could I wear this dress to the wedding? Have you been to a black tie wedding?

 What did you wear to it?

here comes the bride

No, it's not me.

My sister is engaged, and has been since late January, and yes, I am just now talking about it. I'll be 100% honest. Of course, I was thrilled for her, but I did not have the best reaction to her news. Here's the thing. She's my younger sister, by four years. Steve and I have been together for longer than she's known her fiance. I think it is perfectly natural for the older sister to feel like she should get married first, right? Right.

I had a few days of misery, and then I got over it. Something in my head snapped, and I realized that I was being ridiculous, and then I was happy for her. Really happy. She's happy, and that is what matters the most, right? Right.

As I said to her, this means that when I get married, she will have to be the matron of honor, which sounds much older and fuddy-duddy ish than maid of honor, I think ;)

Right, so as maid of honor, I have to plan the shower and bachelorette, among other things. She lives outside of Boston, and the wedding is in New Hampshire, the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. She has her dress, and we've also selected bridesmaid dresses, which are from Alfred Angelo. They'll be navy blue.

I've come up with an idea for the theme for her shower, which I think will be really terrific. My mother loves it too. I've decided that it will remain a secret from her, and I'm going to see about keeping the date of the shower a date too, if possible! That date is not determined yet. Since I'm in DC, and she's in Boston, that could be a bit trickier, but we will see if I can pull that off.

I did manage one surprise already though!

The weekend of President's Day weekend, in February, she and my mother planned to go dress shopping. She asked me if I could come home for the weekend and go with them, but I had a baby shower that Saturday, so I couldn't. About a week before, I realized that weekend was actually Presidents Day, so I had Monday off from work, and they were planning to go shopping on Sunday. Ding ding ding! I had also just gotten my tax refund, so had some extra cash, and booked a flight home. I told my father, but nobody else. I flew in early Sunday morning and rented a car. As I pulled into my parents driveway, my mother was putting something into her car, and just looked up at me in shock. I parked the car, and explained what had happened, and she was so happy. We went to pick up my grandmother, who was also shocked. Then we drove to the bridal shop, where we told the saleswoman what was going on, and she loved it. I hid behind a rack of dresses, as we heard Bethany coming in. She came in, hugged my mother, grandmother and aunt, who was also there, and then they all began talking about what sort of dress she was looking for, and things she didn't want. I then jumped out, holding a really awful looking dress, and said "what about this one?" She was SO shocked, it was really great. I'll never forget the look on her face when she saw me!

So! She has a dress, we have dresses. She has a date and location set. Bridesmaids are selected. I have a date with one of them next week- she lives here in DC too, so we are getting together to talk ideas, which will be great. One of the bridesmaids is also getting married this fall- she is marrying Bethany's fiance's twin brother. Does that make sense?

So, now I am considering dates for the shower, and debating if the bachelorette should be the same weekend. In theory, yes, since most people will already be there (the shower will be in NH too), and I don't want people to have to travel too many times. Trying to keep people's budgets in mind isn't easy, but it isn't as though mine is limitless either!

So, what about you? Did your younger sister get married before you, and how did you deal with it? Am I awful for not screaming with joy when she called me with the news, even though I came around a few days later? Any tips for me?

flowers!

Happy Monday and happy Royal Wedding weekend! I will admit that I was totally and completely obsessed with the Royal Wedding. I was up at 4:30am on Friday watching, while having crumpets with jam and English Breakfast tea! Seemed appropriate, eh? I went to work, but had my dvr recording all day, so when I got home Friday night, I watched what I hadn't seen (double kiss! swoon!) and then watched the recaps and then watched more on Saturday.

I won't post tons of photos, because you've all seen them, I'm sure, and I don't have anything overly creative to say that hasn't already been said! I thought that Kate looked amazing and I loved her dress. I loved her simple hair and that she did her makeup herself. I loved that Prince Harry turned around and snuck a peek while she walked up the isle with her father and I loved that Prince William whispered "you look stunning, babe" to her when she reached the alter. I loved Pippa's dress and I loved the little bridesmaids. I loved the Queen's yellow and I even loved Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie's fascinators! I loved that when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took off in the carriage, she turned to him and said "I am so happy." I loved all of the little looks that they shared throughout the day.

Swoon.

I also really loved this photo, which I hadn't seen a close up of.

Kate's bouquet!

I found the photo on people.com and they had this description, which I really love-

Symbolism was key in the small bouquet Catherine carried, designed for her by Shane Connolly. In addition to the flower sweet William, the bouquet included lily-of-the-valley (for return of happiness), hyacinth (constancy of love) and ivy (for fidelity, marriage and affection). Also key to the arrangement were stems from plants grown from sprigs of the bridal bouquets of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.

Love this, love love love it. I don't know a great deal about flowers and their meanings, but I am interested in learning a bit now! My mother carried ivy in her bouquet when marrying my father, and now I wonder if she knew about these meanings behind it! I'd love to incorporate something like this into my eventual wedding, I think. Makes it so special.

Did you watch the Royal Wedding? Did you love every minute of it?

Royal Wedding Fever!!!

A few weeks ago, Little Miss Can't Be Wrong asked me to do a guest post, and in case you didn't see it, I am posting it here, since it is now ROYAL WEDDING WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So excited. So very excited.

So in case you hadn't heard, there is going to be a Royal Wedding at the end of the WEEK!!! Surely I am not the only one who is really looking forward to this huge event, right? I wouldn't call myself completely obsessed, but maybe mildly intrigued...okay, maybe more than mildly :)

I think that Prince William and Kate have such an amazing love story. They met at university and were flatmates and good friends. They fell in love and managed to keep their romance under wraps for some time. Then, the world watched it unfold, fall apart and piece itself back together again. I think that Kate is so fascinating. You always hear about how "all little girls dream of becoming a Princess," and now she is going to be one! I wonder if she dreamed of that when she was a little girl. Was it in your wildest dreams? She's also so gorgeous and stylish and classy, and has so much grace. People say that she is like Princess Diana, which I think anyone would take as a huge compliment! Also, during their brief breakup, she kept mum and never embarrassed the Royal Family...she just subtly let Prince William know what he was missing out on!

Of course, with the Wedding of the Century happening, Britain is making the most of it, as they should be! Have you seen some of the things they have? Wills and Kate are everywhere! Their faces are on tea sets, tea towels and even refrigerators!

My personal favorite of the Royal Wedding themed items? The No More Waity, Katie nail polish, from Butter of London! Of course, after an eight year romance, the British press gave poor Kate that not-so-lovely nickname, but her patience paid off, as we know!










Pretty, eh? It's a limited edition color, of course, and I am dying to get my hands on a bottle! I'm sure I'll turn to ebay shortly....



Also, Kate has her own beer!







Castle Rock Brewery came out with this Kiss Me Kate as a tribute to the future Queen of England! It is elegant, tasteful and British to the core, says Castle Rock. This is a Nottingham brewery, and I have friends who live nearby....Kirsty managed to find it and is saving some for us to try when we are in the UK this summer!



Also, look at this book, called Knit Your Own Royal Wedding! Knit everyone, including the Royal Corgis! Love love love.

Adorable, eh?

What would you think, if you were Kate, and suddenly, you were everywhere? What if you were her parents or her siblings? I can't even imagine!

Since Britain is five hours ahead of us here on the east coast, it will be on tv at 5am, on Friday. I think I may need to call in sick, so that I can watch it! Of course, there are viewing parties everywhere, and I have heard of people hosting them too. Embassies are having viewing events, as are hotels! How could they not?! When Charles and Diana married in 1981, I was just a baby, so I didn't watch. I'm sure my parents did, though I haven't actually asked them, to be honest with you! My boyfriend and I are going to the UK in July for a wedding, so I'm sure I will be looking for some of these souveniers! Since I collect tea towels anyway, I know that I need a Wills and Kate tea towel for my collection! I don't think I'll get the fridge though....

So, will you be watching the Royal Wedding? Are you excited by all of the hoopla surrounding it? Are you interested in the Royal Family at all? Want to come over and watch it with me?

on bridesmaids

This is a post that I wrote in September, but for some reason, it didn't get published. I just noticed it, and thought I'd post it now.

Over the weekend, I had three of my favorite girls in town for a visit. It was wonderful, in many, many ways. We studied together in Krakow, Poland and shared some really amazing experiences. One of the girls is in Boston, one in Philly and the third recently married a Scottish guy, had a baby and is living in Glasgow! Our lives are very different from the simple carefree days we shared, but we are forever linked by our memories of that incredible time.

We spent the weekend laughing and eating, for the most part. We had plans to visit some VA wineries, but ended up just hanging around the city and it was perfect. We talked about everything under the sun, looking at photos of Krakow and just laughed laughed laughed.

One of the girls told us about a wedding she attended in San Diego recently, for a college friend of hers. The friend is our age (30-31) and had seven bridesmaids. My friend seemed to think that this was a bit much. She said something like "now that we are in our thirties, it just seems silly to have that many bridesmaids."

Do you think this is true? If you are married, how many bridesmaids did you have? If you aren't yet married, how many do you think you might have? How many bridesmaids is too many, and does your age make a difference?

on wedding gifts

A few weeks ago, Steve and I went home to NH for the wedding of an old friend. She and I have been friends since we were little girls, and her parents and mine are also friends. I suppose you could call them family friends, as there are a few other families that fall into this "group," if you will; all of us being mutual family friends.

Anyway.

She and her husband are preparing to move to Alaska, as he will begin a Ph.D. program in Fairbanks this fall. They are driving from NH, with all of their belongings in a truck behind them (what an amazing adventure that will be, eh?!). They registered at Macys, but asked for gift cards, rather than actual gifts, as they wouldn't be able to transport them easily, due to limited space in the already full truck. I didn't go home for the bridal shower, but she did have one, and I suppose everyone just gave her gift cards.

Like me, my mother isn't big on registries (maybe I get it from her?), so she decided to make them a quilt (I get the quilting from my mum for sure!). She told the bride's mother of this, to be sure that the bride would like it, and the MOB assured my mother that the bride would love it. So, my mother picked out some fabrics in her favorite colors (red, orange and yellow! it is bright!) and made a big, gorgeous quilt for the bride and groom.

She finished it and called the bride (the bride knew about the quilt anyway- when my mother brought a card to the wedding, she put a few scraps of each fabric into the envelope, so the bride could see!). My mother wanted to bring the quilt by, so that the bride and groom could take it with them to Alaska.

The bride told my mother that there was no room in the truck and could she please mail it to them once they arrive in Alaska next month. My mother was a bit hurt by this. She understands that they don't have much room to deal with, of course, but really? Asking to mail it?

My mother actually folded up the quilt and put it into one of those special bags and sucked the air out! The entire quilt is now one inch thick! This could easily be slid under a car seat, right?

If you were driving from New Hampshire to Alaska, wouldn't you want a big, cozy quilt with you in the car?! When Steve and I drive to/from NH or Iowa, I love having a cozy quilt with me, to curl up in, especially at night!

Would you really want a handmade quilt mailed across and over an entire country? I do love the USPS, but I wouldn't want to take my chances with such an heirloom!

What do you think?

another dress

I have a wedding coming up in a few weeks, so I am looking for a dress to wear. I feel like I have worn the same three dresses to every wedding I've ever attended (not true, since I wore a different bridesmaid dress four times!), but you know what I mean.

Everyone has been talking about the Liberty of London line for Target. I've seen some of it, and think it's cute, and then I saw this dress online---

Keep in mind that I am doing a reading during the ceremony, so I will be on the alter for approximately three minutes, so people will actually look at me at that point :)

The ceremony is at 2pm and the reception is later, I believe at 4 or 5pm...

What do you think? Is it too casual for a wedding?

question du jour- wedding etiquette

Several weeks ago, I mentioned the weddings I have this year. Two have passed (and were lovely!) and more remain. The next is one week from today (!!!), and then July, August, October and November.

In August, I have a wedding in London, ON, which I also mentioned. As I said, Steve cannot go, as he's out of town. I really want to be there, as I'd feel horrible about missing this one, but then attending the second one in London, in November. I asked opinions, and you were about split- some thought I should go alone, some didn't.

Here's the thing. I know that I am invited with Steve. The save-the-date card was addressed to both of us, so I assume the wedding invitation will follow suit. Since I know that I am invited with a "plus one," would it be awful of me to talk to the bride and let her know that Steve can't come, but ask if I could bring a friend instead? Is that a rude thing to do? It's not as if I'd show up with someone if I wasn't invited with a guest, but since I will be, it isn't anyone extra and I don't know that it would really mess up things like seating charts and whatnot. Also, the bride and groom have not met Steve, if that makes a difference.

I'd just feel far more comfortable with someone there with me. I certainly don't mind going to events alone, I love spending time alone, but an overseas (sort of!) wedding by myself

just doesn't seem super fun. I'll know a few people at the wedding, mainly just the family, but of course, they will be busy, so I won't be spending much time with them,

which I understand, of course!

What do you think?

and another dress

What do you think of this dress?

I think it is fun, and a little different from what I usually wear. I was thinking I could wear it to the Iowa wedding next month...maybe with silver strappy sandals? I'm not wild about the shoes in the picture, but silver would be fun!

It also comes in red, but I am liking the purple. It's from Target, and a total steal at $39.99!

PS. Why is the model's face cut off halfway?!

jumping on the wedding train

In a few weeks, Wedding Season 2010 begins. As it stands, we have six weddings this year, April, May, June, July, August, October and November. If you're curious, they are in Iowa, Virginia, Virginia, New Hampshire, London (Ontario), Iowa and London (ON, again). Once again, I'm a bit dizzy, looking at them all :)

The two London weddings are siblings- the bride is the August wedding and the groom is November. I knew the groom first, as we worked on a few campaigns together, and I became good friends with his sister when I was in London a few years ago running a campaign with him during Canada's Federal Elections in 2004. I'm looking forward to them, as I haven't seen the groom since I left Canada, but I saw his sister two years ago when she was interning in Baltimore that summer.

Here's my problem- the weekend of the bride's wedding, in August, Steve is out of town for a convention. I obviously really want to go to her wedding, but I don't want to go alone, especially to an out-of-town (and country!) wedding where I won't know many people. Of course, I'll know their family, and maybe one or two friends, but for the most part, I won't know anyone. I don't think I am very good in situations like that, where I don't know many people. I get a little intimidated, and I think that a wedding might make it a little more stressful!

I am debating what I should do. Should I just say I can't go? Should I go alone?

Have you ever been in a similar situation? What would you do?

in my life, I've loved them all

I've been listening to a lot of music by the Beatles lately. Maybe I've been feeling nostalgic, but the song "In My Life" always seems to make me a bit misty-eyed. It's a lovely song, wouldn't you say?

There are places I'll remember
All my life, though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends, I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life, I've loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I'll love you more

Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I'll love you more

Apparently it is a very popular wedding song, for the bride and groom's first dance. I can see that, as the song really is lovely, especially "there is no one compares with you" and "these memories lose their meaning." At the same time though, the song repeats that one will never lose affection for people before...and frankly, at my wedding, I don't think I'd want a song sung about past lovers! I'd rather my husband forget all those before me, and he certainly doesn't need to have any affection for them :)

What do you think of the song? Would you use it? Am I being silly?

Probably :)

I lied

Apparently I was wrong. Wedding season is not over. I have one more to attend. In Iowa. On Halloween.

Sigh. Just when I thought I was done...

It's not a real wedding...it's a vow renewal ceremony. The kicker? It is Halloween themed and I am supposed to dress like a pirate. For a wedding.

Seriously.

I have no idea how I get myself into these things.

and it's over!

I'm sitting at my new desk, feeling a bit unsure of myself. No, I don't have a new job, just a new office in a new building. My department moved to a new building on the other side of town. I now have another 15 minutes on the metro. Booooo. I'm also now in a cubicle, where I wasn't before, so I am hearing a whole lot of background noise that I'm not used to. It takes some time to get settled, so I'm sure everything will be fine in a week or so!

The weekend went really well, but I am exhausted! We drove to NH on Friday, leaving about 2pm. We were making great time until NJ. I hate the dirty jerz and this was no exception! We ended up getting lost in New Brunswick and hit major traffic. It took us three hours from there to get through the Cross Bronx Expressway into CT. I like NY, I don't like NJ. We finally rolled into my parents driveway just before 2am. Ugh. I had breakfast plans Saturday morning with my best friend, her husband and son (my godson), and my Pepe, aunt and uncle, so that was really nice. My godson is as adorable as ever and is now talking up a storm. The best? He told me that he loves me and gave me several big kisses :)

Both weddings were really very nice. I will post pictures later, once they are uploaded from my camera. For the second wedding, where I was a bridesmaid, my hair was straight! It's naturally curly, as you've seen, and I did straighten it for a few years, but have kept it curly lately. The hair stylist straightened my hair, and it was long (for me!), hitting me a few inches past my shoulders! I was pleased. I was not pleased, however, with the dress. It was still too big. The alterations didn't come out too well, which is disappointing, since they were rather costly. I spent far too much time tugging at the dress, keeping it up. Grrr. We left CT around 6:30 yesterday and made amazing time back. Once we got into DC, we stopped at the grocery store to grab a few things, and I was in my apartment by 12:30pm. Also, I fell asleep and snoozed for a while, missing Jersey entirely :)

I was in bed by 9:30 last night and I am still exhausted. I am just so glad that wedding season is over for the year! Actually, I don't have any weddings on the agenda (so far!) for 2010 either, so this is a good thing. Of course, I wouldn't mind there being one wedding in 2010, mainly my wedding, but we'll see about that ;)

Steve's parents are in town this weekend and also this Saturday night is one of the Room to Read events, which I am very much looking forward to. How is it already halfway through October? I am so confused about that :)

weddingweddingweddings

This coming weekend should be interesting.

Two weddings, two states, one weekend. One Lexi as a bridesmaid.

Saturday is a wedding in NH, Sunday in CT. Roughly three hours between the two. The wedding on Sunday isn't until 5pm, which is nice!

I had figured we'd fly to Boston, rent a car, drive to NH, drive to CT, drive back to Boston to fly back here. Of course, because I am an idiot sometimes, I failed to look for flights until this past weekend and they were literally about $600 to fly from here to Boston! Looks like we'll be driving. Friday is a busy day at work, so I can't leave early, so we will be leaving DC Friday afternoon during rush hour on a holiday weekend. Awesome. It's a good nine hour drive to NH from DC too. At least Monday is the holiday, so we can drive back then, and since we'll be coming from CT, it will be shorter. Plus, Steve is excited because there are a few White Castles in NJ that we will stop at. His favorite, not mine...I think they are kinda gross!

I still don't know what to wear to the Saturday wedding. I am still totally and utterly in love with this dress and reallyreallyreally want it, but since the bridesmaid dress will cost at least $75 in alterations, that is a priority, right? I have several dresses I could wear, of course, but I feel like I wear the same three dresses to all the weddings I go to, and I want a pretty new one! Blargh.

Anyone want to buy me the dreamy dress for Saturday? I'll wear it to your wedding too :)

After this weekend, no more weddings. I think I am going to put a freeze on all things wedding until my own comes along. Am I wrong in feeling this way? :)

end of the week!

Friday! Hooray! It's been a busy week.



First off, I was selected to be part of the jury! I was sooooooo excited about it, haha. I spent Wednesday and Thursday at the courthouse and am at work today. The judge doesn't sit on Friday's, so we resume on Monday and he expects that we will be done that day, so it won't take too long, which is a good thing! It's been pretty interesting so far, and I am enjoying it, which is a good thing.



I had a 2 1/2 hour lunch break yesterday while at the courthouse, so I went to Teaism and had a chicken bento box for lunch. I love that place! I also had a ginger limeade, which was very good. I hadn't been in ages, so it was a nice treat.



Tuesday, on my way home from work, I dropped off the bridesmaid dress to be taken in. As you may remember, the dress is a wee bit too big. I called a few places to get an estimate of what the alterations might cost, but places wouldn't tell me without seeing the dress. I finally found a place in Arlington that got really good reviews online and called. The woman told me that it wouldn't be more than $40. Fine. I went to drop it off and she pinned me up. As I was filling out the form, I asked again. She said it would be $75!


Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!


I mentioned that I called and she quoted $40, and she said that that was just for the bust, but because it is so big, the entire bodice needs to be taken in. I am so annoyed. The dress was $250 to begin with, plus the $75 matching shoes that nobody will be able to see under the floor-length dress that has a train.


When I am the bride, I am picking $800 dresses for my bridesmaids, as payback.


Yes, I know that has a bridesmaid, I accept costs and such, but come on? Why do brides feel the need to pick such expensive dresses that will never, ever be worn again?


Tomorrow is the National Book Festival on the Mall! I am SO excited, I go every year! Some really amazing authors will be there, including Lois Lowry and Judy Blume, two of my favorites! Jodi Picoult, Nicholas Sparks, John Grisham, Paula Deen and James Patterson will be there, just to name a few. If you've never been, you are missing out. It is such a good day. Expect pictures next week!


For some reason, I've been really wanting to go to a Pampered Chef party lately. I love their products. My mother has a good amount and has given me a few pieces for Christmas, and I just love them. I've never actually been to a party myself, but have been invited to several (they are never here in DC!), and have bought from those parties. I want to go to one!

What have you been up to?

bridesmaid this

As you are probably aware, I am a bridesmaid in a wedding that is just a few weeks away (ack, I still have to have my dress altered and book a flight, among other things!)

Yesterday, a bridesmaid was let go. Yes, as in, fired, voted off the island, asked not to be a bridesmaid. It was actually long time coming and happened with good reason, though I have mixed feelings. I only met this girl once, at the shower. The thing is, she and the bride are not really even friends. The girl (we'll call her Bea) is dating a guy we'll call Frank, who is a good friend of the groom. The bride is not friends with Bea though, for various reasons that we won't get into. She's just not a nice girl. She doesn't treat people well at all. She's selfish, immature and uncouth. She says things without thinking about how people may take them, and doesn't apologize when she says something offensive. She had been saying awful things about the bride all over myspace and facebook, not realizing that the bride would obviously see them, since she could see her pages. She has not been at all helpful to the bride in any way and has complained nearly every step of the way, making innapropriate comments and such. She was also more than an hour late to the MA shower and at the CT shower, she sat in the corner and sulked the entire time, never once speaking to anyone else, including the bride!

As you can imagine, things are now a bit sticky. Frank has dropped from the wedding party and the two may not even come at all. Of course, the groom isn't happy and neither is the bride, but she's more upset because she's feeling blamed for all of this. I know I've left out many details of this, but it's a long and complicated story!

My question is this. Would you ever expect to be asked to be a bridesmaid simply because your boyfriend/husband was in the wedding party, if you weren't very close to the bride? If you were the bride, would you ask a groomsman's girlfriend to be in your wedding party? Most importantly, how would you handle this? Would you have fired the bridesmaid?

just another manic Monday

Monday's always seem to come just a bit too quickly, don't they? The weekend was a nice one, I hope it was for you as well.

Friday night I stopped at Ann Taylor Loft and picked up a few things. They were doing their buy one, get one half off sweater sale. I bought the following-

Rib trimed scoopneck in majestic plum
Placed petal tee in purple
and a v-neck that I can't find online...

Loft has some really cute things right now, so if you need fall clothes, go check it out!

From there, I headed to B. Dalton at Union Station where I got yelled at by a tourist! I was in line to buy a few things and the cashier asked for the next person in line. I was at the front, so I walked over and put my things down. Meanwhile, I walked by a man who was bent over, as if he was getting something from the bottom shelf. I assumed he was still shopping and didn't think much of him. All of a sudden, I heard "excuse me, but I was next in line," in a loud, shrill voice. I turned and realized that the man was talking to me! I was shocked and aplogized, and picked up my things saying, "please sir, go ahead, I didn't realize you were waiting!." He got all huffy and said "whatever, just stay there," followed by "people in DC are SO rude." I was mortified! I honestly didn't realize that he was in line and I would always let someone go ahead of me!

This, of course, came after I had helped a British couple buy metro passes, because they couldn't figure out the machines and how to get a fare card! Ugh, there went my good karma for the day!

I went home and fell asleep somewhere in the ballpark of 9:30pm. I am awesome.

This weekend was Heidi's wedding and it was so, so lovely. She was such a beautiful bride and is off honeymooning in Puerto Rico right now! I think I am guest posting at her blog sometime this week, so make sure you stop by and congratulate her. I will post some pictures eventually, assuming she doesn't mind!

My mother had a letter to the editor published in the September issue of School Library Journal. She's awesome too.

I had a pair of black shoes re-heeled and they polished them up for me too. It's like they're brand-new!

Steve's birthday was yesterday. It was a low-key day, as he had some homework to do, but we went to the Brickskeller last night with a few friends. It's one of my favorite DC bars; they have hundreds of imported beers and at least three Polish beers, so I am always happy. I always tell myself to try something new, but it never seems to happen.

I am now sponsoring a five year old boy called Rueben in Uganda through the Christian Upliftment School. Of course, I am still loyal to World Vision and my Albanian girls, but this seemed like another good opportunity. I wrote a big paper on Uganda for a class last spring, and there is so much going on there right now that it's just crazy. With them, sponsorship is only $35 a year, and covers tuition and school uniforms. Of course, I can send letters and packages, if I wish, which I am sure to do. I'm pretty excited about that. The school has a blog too, so have a look at it!

I'm also meeting with two girls tomorrow about the DC chapter of Room to Read, which I am really excited about. There are a few big events coming up, and we are meeting to discuss smaller events where people our age might come, people who can't necessarily donate in the thousands of dollars, but maybe could donate a few dollars here and there. They also have a girls scholarship program that I am really excited to learn more about. Let me know if you'd be interested in attending any of these events, and as more are planned, I will be sure to mention them and invite all those who might like to come!

My parents are visiting this weekend and we have tickets for the Red Sox-Orioles game in Baltimore Friday night! Whoooo!

What's on your agenda this week?

bridal registry fail

I know I've mentioned my dislike for bridal registries before. Now, I see their point and realize their usefulness, but on the other hand, I just don't like the idea behind them. I don't feel as though I should tell you what you should buy me for my wedding. To me, it seems a bit pompous and presumptous. I shouldn't dictate how much you spend. Of course, I know that people register for a wide range of things of all price points, but regardless, I'm just not a fan. I also feel like they lack any sort of creativity and there is no thought put into the gift. Life shouldn't be that easy and convenient.

When my parents were married 33 years ago, they received a gorgeous clock that is above the fireplace mantle in the living room. Whenever they look at it, they think of the couple who bought it for them (I don't remember who bought it, I wasn't at their wedding!). They also had this beautiful salad bowl that I LOVED. It was white glass with a flower design painted on. It was simple, but so, so pretty. I always loved it and told my mother that when she died, I wanted it (ha!). She called one day about a year ago with bad news. It slipped out of her hands coming out of the dishwasher and crashed to the floor, breaking into zillions of pieces. I nearly cried. Likewise though, she remembered who bought it. If you buy me two place settings, will I really remember in 35 years that you and your beloved bought them for me?

When people register, I always look at their registries to see what they like. I am not cruel enough to buy a hideous vase or the like. I think I buy fun gifts for people, gifts with thought and meaning behind them. I don't want to buy you bath towels. I know they are needed, but frankly, I think they are a boring gift! Sorry. Oh, and also, I don't give money. Again, I know that most couples probably like that the most, but it's just not my style.

The other weekend, when I went to MA for my friend's bridal shower, I bought her several things, including one thing from her registry. She got two of them. My first time ever buying from someone's registry and she got two. I was so annoyed. I checked the registry before leaving work, metroed over to Chinatown to hit Bed, Bath and Beyond. When I got inside, I checked the registry again and it was still available. I bought it and they removed it from the registry. When I got home, I checked it again and it said it was fulfilled. She still got two. Apparently the person who bought the other didn't remove it from the registry. Fail!

At the same time, I have a wedding coming up next weekend in upstate NY and the couple didn't register. I have NO idea what to get them. Yes, I know how hypocritical this makes me sound and I don't mean it to! I use registries for ideas, but then go off on my own! I know that when I am planning my own wedding, I will likely register, because Steve thinks they are great and most people will be annoyed if I don't. Ugh.

I'm sure I am pretty much on my own with this opinion, but how do you feel about registries? Did you/will you register? Where did/will you register and why did you choose those stores? Have you come across many couples that didn't? What did you do about that and what did you get them as a gift?