So That Is Where The Bug Spray Lives!!

Combining two households is a challenge at best. Adding wonderful gifts sent from our registry's has complicated things further. We have been through several rounds of purging. We had a yard sale and made $154! We have piles of boxes and loot in various locations.

Tad has been out of town for the last couple of days and since I have the week off, I thought I would start organizing. I have often marveled at the SPEED in which Tad puts things away - walks in house, starts putting things away in a fury and heads off to do something much more interesting. I found evidence of this last night. While deciding where to place our fondue pots (thank you Ann, Teresita and Randi!) I started to clear the cabinets above the refrigerator to make way for our new small appliances. It was FULL of light bulbs. And empty light bulb boxes. And bug spray. Off. Cutter. Skintastic. THAT'S WHERE THE BUG SPRAY LIVES! Not any more. The bug spray has been moved to a more logical (for me anyway) and reachable location (again for me). We still have lots of light bulbs which now share their home with our fondue pots. Come on over, we will fondue it up under really bright light!

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.

BECAUSE I'M THE BRIDE!

What a weekend! My Mom flew in from San Jose because a few weeks ago I had major panic that I wasn't crossing all my t's and dotting all my i's. So, after a call and maybe a tear or two she immediately bought a ticket to come help do "all things wedding" for the weekend. This was huge because a) it is summer in Atlanta. My Mom doesn't do heat and she certainly doesn't do humidity - nor does her hair b) I really wanted her to see everything we had chosen and c) she hadn't met Tad's Mom Judy yet! So, we made a serious weekend of it. I had it all planned out -- morning noon and night. There would be NO time for rest. She could do that on the plane. We had STUFF to do and hit the ground running. First things first: girl stuff. Hair cuts, undergarment fittings (for the big gig) and shopping for the 3rd Mother of the Bride dress. We were hoping to find THE PERFECT gown for the big gig. She had already purchased 2 others. The first she loathed (internet purchase) and the second is currently being made but it isn't "the right gown". So, Judy recommended a few places in Atlanta and off we went. After much searching, we found THE ONE. Sort of. The designer doesn't make it in her size. No big deal. The seamstress in the shop could make it work. Except the designer can't get it to her until December 1. Big problem. Sort of. In walks Rodica. She is amazing. A custom couture seamstress who will be duplicating the PERFECT gown for my mom. Best of all, it will be ready in time for the wedding. YEAH! Watch on E-Bay for things being sold by my Dad (Big Bait may be his E-Bay ID?) - no he is not a cross dresser but my Mom has a few dresses that would otherwise never leave her closet. We had dinner with our Moms at the 191 Club so they could get to know one another and taste our amazing menu.

Saturday morning we were off for a second round of cake tasting. Fortunately, they were both up to the task and the flavors have been chosen. Mark, our cake artisan, sent us home with even more samples. Apparently he hasn't gotten the memo about wearing white in two months -- nor did he hear my Mom tell me that I couldn't leave the house sans Spanx.

Momma P, Mark and Momma H

enjoying cake

Mark, THE CAKE FAIRY

says he will wave his magic wand and it will be perfect!

The biggest event of the weekend, after undergarments, finding a dress for Mom, haircuts, lunch at Neiman Marcus and searching for the perfect everything was our engagement party hosted by Kathy and Ken Bernhardt. Kathy and Ken had been planning this for quite some time and hosted the PERFECT pre-cursor to "The Big Gig". We walked in and Kathy gave me the ultimate accessory, which everyone will see from now until October 24. It is a sash with hot pink trim and embroidery that says "BECAUSE I'M THE BRIDE". Pretty succinct. I am pretty sure I squealed when I opened it and figured out how to put it on. We had an AMAZING night with so many wonderful friends. I was amazed -- and now understand why brides say there just isn't time to eat or drink at your own wedding. I didn't even have time at our engagement party. Maybe this is part of the diet plan. Should have had more partys -- would have kept me away from the buffet and out of the Spanx. At any rate, during all of this, I came down with a terrible cold. At the end of the night, Tad quietly asked me how much I had had to drink that night and when I said "a glass and a half of wine" he raised his eyebrows. That's when I figured it out: in my blood was floating 4 Sudafed, 1 Allegra, 1 Singulair, 1 Mucinex DM and a glass and a half of wine. Self medicating to hopefully clear the ears, stop the cough and dry the nose has led my future husband to believe I drank too much at our party. I can only imagine the slurry impression I left on our guests.

Still vertical even after all the cold medicine


With Kathy and Ken Bernhardt

We had an incredible weekend with our Moms and owe Kathy and Ken more thanks than we will ever be able to express. Keep an eye out for a rogue blonde who stifles her cough and is running around Atlanta with a hot pink sash on. She is likely doing "All things wedding" and will try to get away with murder, "BECAUSE I'M THE BRIDE".

Christmas In August!

We got a very important phone call this evening from the concierge of Tad's building. We had received (well, they were all addressed to ME but as Tad says - gifts for me make him the beneficiary) five boxes that were delivered from UPS. We got on the elevator and went to go collect the loot ASAP! We were overwhelmed. Though we did register for gifts as our wedding is quickly approaching, we didn't expect them to come rolling in just yet. It was SO much fun opening them. We savored each and every box and laughed and thanked everyone though no one else was there and then started imagining where we would put everything. We did get one item set up immediately. The Haak's sent us a 16 bottle wine refrigerator that I just knew we would put to good use. SO, come on over. The wine is chilled. We now own the most beautiful Reidel wine glasses (thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Chapman), fun martini glasses for those of you who prefer it a little stronger (thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Blinde), and a professional waffle maker for breakfast for those who have to stay over after indulging (thank you Dougherty's!). While you are enjoying a cocktail and breakfast with all the above mentioned paraphernalia, be sure to take note of some pretty cool vases and decanters (thank you Vikki Carpel-Miller!). We are overwhelmed to say the least.

I must put in one very important disclaimer - formal thank you notes will be written as soon as my stationery arrives -- my mother and future mother-in-law would be mortified if they thought for a second I was thanking everyone via blog. At any rate, THANK YOU!

The Ballots Are Being Tallied.

It is Thursday. We mailed out round one of our invitations Monday. We recieved 4 response cards in the mail today. All have accepted our invitation. That is 8 guests so far who are FOR SURE (fo sho) coming to "The Big Gig". Well, we also know that our families are coming (mostly because they don't have a choice and who DOESN'T like cake?!). So, with our 8 guests and our families, we have about 150 left that we can seat. Hurry and get yours back to us today before we run out of room.!! Besides, Tad just LOVES getting the "tacky response cards" in the mail.

Do NOT Feed Or Water The Invitation Assembler

We (meaning Tad) have a new rule with regard to "All Things Wedding". I was SO proud. We completed our guest list (FINALLY). Our printer got all the envelopes done and inserts printed in time for the invitations to go out on time. We spent a dowry on postage. Judy (Tad's mom) found the most beautiful stamps to use on the invitation itself. Friday night, I plopped myself down and stuffed invitations into the inner envelopes (which are not the envelopes I had ordered, but that is beside the point - no one will judge me on that, right?!). I had a beer while I did it. Gluten free beer is such a treat and SO tasty while doing manual labor. I managed to get all the inner envelopes matched with the outer envelopes. Saturday morning, Tad and I sorted the invitations by mailing group. I then set to the task of stuffing each invitation with all of the inserts and response cards. I had to sit at the dining room table this time, as the floor has proven to be hard on my back. I grabbed a glass of fuzzy water. I turned on some good music. Tad started the process of cleaning his desk (LOVE having company come over -- desk gets cleared!) I am jamming. Stuffing my heart out. I am not really sure how it happened, but I knocked my glass of water over in my stuffing frenzy. The whole thing was a goner. Tad heard the calamity and came running. There were 3 invitations that were swimming atop the lake that was now on the dining room table. Oops. We cleaned up the mess and then Tad immediately implemented the new rule. "NO FOOD OR DRINK WHILE WORKING ON INVITATIONS". Not fair. This kind of labor makes a girl thirsty. I was even using a coaster as to not leave a ring on the table. Every time I needed a drink of water, I had to go to the kitchen. We may have to invest in sippy cups before this whole thing is over so that I once again am allowed to drink outside the confines of the the counter tops.

Check Ride

A little nervous for the check ride? You got a lot nervous for the check ride. In fact, I think after all that studying of the manuals, the books, the flash cards, I could have passed the check ride and the orals. Thank God it is over for another year. Tad

Sit Back, Relax and PLAN A WEDDING!

Welcome To My Office.

Once a year, I am required to take a check ride. This entails a written examination administered by my employer, AirTran Airways. It also includes an oral examination and a flight check administered by a person designated by my employer and approved by the FAA. It is all encompassing. Lots of my fellow aviators believe they become less stressful as the years go by. I have not found that to be the case. I fear failure. I have never failed a portion of a check ride and always fear that the next one could be it. I study. I study. I study some more. I get a little nervous. I hope I don't say something wrong. I hope I understand the way the question was posed. I don't want to come across as unprepared. I study some more. I am in the middle of planning a wedding. No time. I study. I hope that when my examiner asks me about the engines on my jet I don't talk about the bead work on my gown. I fear that when he asks me about the landing gear and brakes I don't spill off our menu. Did I mention that Dr. Youssef, the Rector presiding over our ceremony has only preformed 5 weddings in the last 10 years and 4 of those were for family members? I study. Today, I took my annual check ride. I got to talk about all kinds of airplane stuff like: EECs, VIAs, ECUs, PCDUs, GENs, BATTS, MDA, VDP, MAP, DH, DA, RNAV, ZFW, MGW, TOW, CG, FARs, JEPs, APUs. No one asked me about the most important aspect about my life right now, the big gig that is quickly approaching. I had to spit out limitations. Immediate action items. Procedures. The good news is that I passed. It is over. I remembered the most important thing of all when it comes to check rides, "pull up, houses get smaller. Push forward, houses get bigger". I am done for a year. I can flush all of the above acronyms. I can now focus on the most important acronym of all, losing LBs because my parents are making me wear white in October.