Just When I Didn't Think It Could Get Any Better......

Last weekend proved to be busy as ever in preparation for the "big gig". My Mom came into town again to help organize and spoil me along the way, too! We had such a great visit and though I *promised* not to "run her as hard" as I typically have in past visits, I found that I was simply exhausted at the end of each day. We had LOTS on the agenda. First and foremost, her MOB (Mother of the Bride) dress had arrived after much, much, much involvement with the designer, a boutique in Connecticut and a very kind woman we have never met. She tried it on and it was PERFECT. Beautiful. Great. Now, on to more important things, like shopping. We covered Atlanta like a cheap suit on her first day. After all, the next day we had my bridal shower to attend! Mom decided that we needed to do a dry run of our make up for the wedding day, so we were up bright and early to go see if Kiev at Carter Barnes could work a little magic. Lo and Behold - she even gave me false eyelashes as I discovered that along with not having inherited my mother's alabaster skin, dark hair or strong nails, I also did not get her insanely long eyelashes.

Mom and I before the magic is worked

After !

We then stopped for a few errands before heading to my dear friend Laura's home where she was hosting my bridal shower. It was an amazing afternoon and I was blown away by how much work Laura put into the day. Not only did she open her home to my friends and family, she cooked all the food for an incredible luncheon, and decorated with attention paid to every detail! She had decided on an airplane theme and had all kinds of cute airplanes as decoration all around, which she had hand painted in our wedding colors - lapis and apple - or, in Tad speak "purple and red". She ordered ribbon with our names on it and had an airplane shaped cake that was titled "TaJan Air". The "N Number" was N10/24 - our wedding date! She also had favors for everyone - a cookbook which she had compiled of everyone's favorite recipes, which is something I know I will get great use of and I hope everyone else will, too.

Janin and Laura, the host who wears Lapis!

TAJAN AIR! Edible Airline!

I was so fortunate that so many people were able to come to my shower. As I already mentioned, my Mom came into town as did Tad's Mother, Judy. Tad's sister, Lane (who is a brides maid) and her daughter, Emma (also a bridesmaid) came in from Knoxville. Emma is just the sweetest girl and was kind enough to sit with me and keep notes on all the gifts. I would have been lost without her keeping tabs! She is invaluable and I look forward to being her aunt.

It was a wonderful visit with Mom, including the moment that I had forgotten to pick up my dry cleaning. Small problem. Fortunately, Macy's had navy pants that were a suitable substitute and I had a couple of spare shirts in my closet. I may end up eating these words, but I am hoping that after the "big gig" I will be back to my normal, organized Type A self who has everything together long before I have to be anywhere.

Emma and I

I think it is safe to say that a good time was had by all. I am forever grateful to Laura for not making anyone play shower games and for all the work that she put into the shower. I sure am glad that this only happens once because nothing could top all that I have been experienced to date.

Here, Fishy Fishy Is NOT a Song

What a weekend! Amanda, my maid of honor had been VERY busy planning "the most important part of my wedding" - THE BATCHELORETTE PARTY! She rented a house on Lake Hartwell, gathered the girls and had huge plans for us all to have a wonderful time. I am very lucky to have such an amazing friend in her and the others who were able to make the weekend such an incredible one. We loaded up 2 SUV's and headed north for a weekend of boating, fishing, swimming, karaoke and a little bit of wine.

After collecting the boat on Saturday morning, Amanda and I spent more than 2 hours LOST on the lake looking for our rental home. No GPS, no cell signal and no food. We were rationing a tin of small Altoids Amanda had stashed in per purse figuring that if worse came to worse, we were going to have to wait for the other to perish and take matters into our own hands. We DID have a fish finder but did NOT have gear. After playing Gillian for what seemed like an eternity, Holly and Laura got on the peddle boat, came to the middle of the lake and found us. We were pontooning our hearts out but eventually gathered them into the boat and headed for our dock.

Myself, Karen, Holly, Amanda and Stephanie

Laura, Amanda and Holly - Lake Hartwell Mermaids

Ebony, have you met Ivory? She's the one in the pink boa....

Laura and Holly flex the muscle that got them to the middle of the lake to save us.

Rule #1 -No Boys. Well, except BUB (Blow Up Boyfriend)

We didn't catch any fish, we didn't have a lot of sleep, we didn't have gluten free beer, salsa, bottled water or diet coke after the cooler mishap but we DID have a great time. My cheeks are still sore from laughing so hard for 3 days. I can't thank Amanda enough for putting together such an incredible weekend and Karen, Laura, Stephanie and Holly for coming and making it so special. I am one lucky girl to have such amazing friends.

We Need To Have A Yard Sale. And Have No Yard.

Tad and I got engaged. We discussed where we would live. We decided on his house, a beautiful condo in downtown Atlanta that is close to work for both of us, has easy access to the interstate and overlooks Centennial Olympic Park. It has twice the space of my condo, which is in a fabulous neighborhood with all amenities within walking distance. Some of which include fantastic restaurants, bars, boutiques, coffee shops and grocery stores. I would move. One of my least favorite activities. But hey, this is love, right? There are certain things I MUST bring with me and see with my bright greens every day. They include a beautiful cedar chest my grandfather made me when I was a baby and an antique porcelain elephant that I have been infatuated with since I can remember. My parents finally gave it to me when I left their home for my first airline gig. Now, we have his, hers, ours and NEW! WOOT! JACKPOT! Registering was SO much fun. We chose beautiful things that we both liked. Then they started showing up. Not being one to wait, we opened immediately. Then we realized everything need a home. A LOT of stuff was simply going to have to go. Not to be wasteful we (okay, I) started to empty cupboards and closets. Everything that we decided we simply didn't have room for will go. LOTS of dishes. Glasses. Mugs. Serving pieces. A blender. Waffle Maker. Canisters. A new idea sprang to help pay for the "big gig" --- YARD SALE! Everything is boxed! It is easy. SELL, SELL, SELL!!!! Wait. We don't have a yard at either property. So for now, anyone venturing to see us at the Museum Tower should see if there is anything that they would like. Donations welcome.