Our first wedding gifts!

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Today we received our first wedding gifts by mail! I knew last Friday that they were being shipped to us and found out on Saturday that they were two place settings of our Fiesta dishes from a card that we got in the mail. They were delivered yesterday afternoon while we were out for a drive to the office at our apartment complex, so I picked them up this morning. I opened the shipping box and saw that they were gift-wrapped. As much as I love presents, I decided that I was going to wait until Michael gets home this afternoon before opening them.

That quickly changed.

As I was taking the gifts out of the shipping box, I heard a sickening sound. One of the place settings was broken. I figured it was the handle of the coffee mug.

I was wrong.

I went ahead and opened the one I knew was broken. Out of the five place settings, three of the pieces were destroyed -- the mug handle, the bowl, and the saucer. The salad and dinner plates were fine, but our five piece place setting is in approximately fifteen pieces.

So now I'm just waiting for the Dillards at Columbia Mall to call me back and let me know when to expect a new setting to be shipped to me. I would love to just drive to the store and exchange it, but the nearest store is 100 miles away in the Saint Louis area.

I didn't open the other one. After some gentle shaking, it doesn't sound broken, so I'm saving it for Michael to open.

Update: I just got off of the phone with the customer service woman at the Dillards in Columbia where the dishes were shipped from. She said since I have a gift registry and am obviously a customer of theirs, they're going to ship me a new set and that I can just throw the broken set in the trash.

Is it Friday yet?

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There are only two days until the new Sex & the City movie starts and I cannot wait! I think I'm going to go to the matinee on Friday afternoon and see it. I've been watching the DVDs for a couple of days now. I'm on disc two of season three and will hopefully make it though the end of season six before I see the movie.

In other news, Michael's step-brother left today for basic training. He'll be gone for eight weeks, which means he won't be here for the wedding.

Wedding: 24 days!!!

Yes: 135

No: 20

Lease Issues

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When we signed our lease, we discussed with the leasing agent the option to change our lease from six months to a year. She told us that we could think about it until today because she'd be on vacation. We had a couple of other things to discuss with her (Charlie bars and rent costs) when we went in this afternoon.

When we arrived, the woman we needed to talk to wasn't there. We were certain she said she'd be back today. When we asked the woman at the front desk, she informed us that the woman in question was no longer working for the company and that she had just told them that morning! It was a little frustrating, as she's the only person we've dealt with throughout this entire process. Everything worked out all right, but all I can say is that I cannot wait until we can buy a house!

Wedding day: 25 days!

Yes: 133

No: 20

Nothing to say...

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I didn't post yesterday! I have failed to meet my goal of posting each day in May and I was SO close! We went to Missouri for the weekend to visit our families. I managed a quick post on Saturday, but stayed pretty busy at my folks' house yesterday.

There's nothing else to report, really. I have a job interview tomorrow afternoon, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that. I'm worried that the fact that I'll be taking almost an entire week off soon is going to prevent me from being hired anywhere.

Yes: 129

No: 20

Homeward bound...

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Greetings from the 'Show Me' state! Michael and I decided to spend our long weekend with our families.

Bachelorette Party!

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I'm finally getting around to posting a few pictures from my bachelorette party last weekend. I can't believe it's only been a week because so much has happened since then. Everyone had a wonderful time and we got tons of free stuff. I attribute that to the power of the veil. If you wear a veil out in public, everyone wants to celebrate with you! We got free dessert at dinner, free entrance to Cadillac Ranch, 55 free shots at Cadillac Ranch, and three free drinks at Tebo Creek Lodge. I am astounded by the generosity of strangers. In a world of stranger danger, it's nice to know that there are still people out there willing to celebrate the happiness of others.

Chantel & I before heading to dinner

Allie & I at Cadillac Ranch

Laura, Allie, Me, Chantel, & Shayna -- who took this picture??

Laura, Allie, Me, Shayna, & Chantel at Tebo Creek Lodge

In other news, the response cards for the wedding are beginning to roll in. If you haven't sent yours in yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR??? They may not be due back for two more weeks, but you don't have to wait two weeks to send them back! I've started contacting people already and have gotten really good results. The number of people still unknown went from 118 to 102 in less than an hour.

Today was Michael's first real day of work. He had orientation for three days and this morning he left to work his first day as a real engineer! Tonight we're going out for dinner and a movie. It's been some time since we've gone out for both and I, for one, am really looking forward to it. We're seeing the new Indiana Jones movie.

Our Wedding Day: 29 days!!!

Yes: 121

No: 14

Welcome Home!

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Michael is back from his work orientation! Hooray! He was on the phone earlier telling a friend I must have been alone too long because I was having an in-depth conversation with one of the dogs.

I cannot believe how soon the wedding is going to be here! Less than one month. Wow. I'm going to be MARRIED to MICHAEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes: 106

No: 13

Unknown: 118

Another photo!

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Michael's step-mom e-mailed me a few photos that she took Friday at Michael's graduation, so I thought I'd share. Enjoy!

Isn't my fiance handsome? :)

How cute is our nephew, Adrian?

Unpacked!!!

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This is the third full day that we've been in Illinois and I can now say that we're finally unpacked! The apartment looks really good. I could have put it off longer, but I had this insatiable urge to vacuum, which I wouldn't allow myself to do until the boxes were gone.

Our dining room looking from the living room -- Notice the wall of mirrors

Living room looking toward the balcony

One-half of our small kitchen -- I made cookies!

Other half of our small kitchen

Penelope enjoying the sunshine

On another note, please let David Cook win American Idol!

Also, Michael and I are getting married ONE MONTH FROM TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cannot wait to be married to Michael! :D

Graduation Photos

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Michael graduated on Friday, May 16 at 6:30PM. It was a wonderful ceremony. We had great seats in the front row of the balcony. We watched as 400 men and women were honored with bachelor's degrees in various branches of engineering.

Michael standing in front of Jesse Hall and the Columns

Chris, Michael, Adrian, Kelly, and Kim

Michael and Me in front of the Columns

Michael showing off his empty folder

We're Moved!

Pin It Now! We made it to central Illinois!

We are exhausted and trying to get everything unpacked. We don't have internet yet, but I promise I'll post a great update when we do!

Moving Day!

Pin It Now! Good-bye, Columbia!

Hello, Decatur!


As with the rest of the weekend, expect a post filled with photos in a few days!

Busy Saturday

Pin It Now! Things I have going on today:

- Hair trial
- Michael's graduation party
- Bachelorette party


Expect photos in a few days!

Congrats, Grad!

Pin It Now! Happy Graduation Day, Michael!

I'm so proud of you! I love you!

Short & Sweet

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I'm not done packing. I would love to go to bed in an hour and a half (yes, at 8PM), but I have so much left to do. I shouldn't be blogging, but my goal is to blog once a day in May, so I had to write up something.

We got keys to the new apartment yesterday. The leasing agent didn't want to let us see the apartment because we aren't going to start paying rent until Sunday. Whatever, we did not drive four hours one way just to get the keys. It's not a bad apartment. The kitchen is tiny, but it's not bad. It'll be much better after we have stuff in it and are unpacked. Both of our fathers are coming along to help us move. Ty is also supposed to drive down and help us out.

Tomorrow is Michael's graduation! HOORAY! He's been going to school for five years and I know he's relieved to be finished. He has one final in the morning and then he just has to hang around until the graduation ceremony in the evening.

Do you like the new blogger layout? ((for those of you viewing this in Myspace, go here and check out my amazing new blog layout)) Hilary made it for me. I love that she was able to put Re-Pete and Penelope in the picture. :)

I have an incredibly busy weekend ahead of me. Saturday I have my hair trial, Michael's grad party, furniture shopping, and my bachelorette party. I have a feeling that Tylenol, sunglasses, and caffeine are going to be necessary for Sunday's move. Check back in Monday or Tuesday (whenever we get internet) for pictures!

# Yes: 90

# No: 13

MC's Graduation: TOMORROW!!!

Moving day: SUNDAY!!!

Wedding day: 37 days!!!

This is Scary!

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Last night, Michael left to go visit a friend of his in Illinois. On his way home, he was planning on stopping and getting the keys for our apartment and signing our lease.

This didn't exactly happen.

About an hour after he left, my cell phone rang. I remember thinking to myself, 'please don't let it be car trouble.' Oh yeah, it was car trouble. The Impala died. I went and picked him up and this afternoon we headed off to Illinois.

And this is what I saw...

$3.93 for regular unleaded!

$3.99 for regular unleaded!!!

I didn't get a picture of it, but I also saw regular unleaded at a gas station for $4.02. All of these were in Pittsfield, IL, which isn't a huge town. I hate that gas prices have gotten so high. When will it stop?

Confession Tuesday

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I'm beginning to get stressed out about moving.

There's still a lot to do and less and less time to get it done. I know I'll have it finished, I just don't want to stay up really late on Thursday doing so.

I cannot wait until I'm unpacked in the new apartment.

Michael's graduation: 3 days!

Bachelorette party: 4 days!

Moving day: 5 days!

Wedding day: 39 days!

YES: 86

NO: 13

Matt Damon...

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...just started shooting a movie in Decatur, where I will be living in six short days. How cool would it be to run into him?

Our Last Week...

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...living in our Como apartment! I'm really not sad about it. I've enjoyed living in this apartment, but I'm looking forward to moving.

We're still searching for a person to sublet from us. There are a couple of people who are submitting applications, but one can never be too careful, so I'm still showing. Two girls today seemed very interested, so hopefully they turn in applications and I have to choose who gets it.

I don't have much else to say today. It's beautiful outside, but I'm inside cleaning and showing the apartment. I cannot wait until we're unpacked in our new place and it's just the two of us and the dogs.

Oh, and if you're reading this and you haven't sent in your response card, could you please do so? We haven't gotten any in a few days and I really do not want to call 140 people. So please, put it in the mail!

4 days until MC's graduation...

5 days until my bachelorette party...

6 days until we move...

18 days until SATC starts...

40 days until the wedding...

Photos from today

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Today we also celebrated Zach's birthday! Happy 24th!

This picture is for you, Maggie -- jealous? :)

It's tough to get a good picture with Aunt Nan -- she's either looking off at someone else or talking to someone else while you're trying to take the picture!

My grandparents with Zach after cake

Michael cuddling with Penelope, who was surprisingly well-behaved through all of the crazy that is a family gathering.

Happy Mother's Day!

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Dear Mom,

Thanks for everything you've done for me throughout the years -- teaching me right from wrong, letting me be my own person, and loving me.

Happy Mother's Day!

Love,

Your Daughter

It's happening!

Pin It Now! Six weeks from today and I'll be a married woman!!! :D

Sleeplessness

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Oh my goodness.

I hardly slept last night.

I was quite tired about 20 minutes before I went to bed, but apparently powered through it and tapped into some energy reserve. It was ridiculous. I was awake until at least 5:15AM. It was almost time for the sun to come up!

I have no idea why I was up so late, but I was very unhappy about it. I was up late enough to discover that the latest episode of Grey's Anatomy is posted at 2:30AM Pacific Time. I opted to try to sleep instead of watching it, but I hate that I was up late enough to find that out.

We're heading home this afternoon. I have several wedding-related meetings this weekend, as well as mother's day lunch with my family on Sunday. Hopefully Michael will drive so that I can sleep.

It's almost 10:30AM. Do you know what that means? It's okay to eat lunch because McDonald's considers it lunchtime after 10:30AM! I slept until 9:15AM and then took Michael to campus and haven't had breakfast. I'm skipping straight to lunch, I'm a rebel!

Michael's graduation: 7 days!!!!!!!!!!!

Moving Day: 9 days!!!!

1st day at CAT: 11 days!!!!

Our WEDDING: 43 days!!!!!!!!

# Yes: 86

# No: 13

This will bore you...

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Sorry, I just had to be honest. There's nothing really exciting going on.

Michael and I saw "Baby Mama" last night. It was funny, go see it!

I have a busy weekend ahead of me (the first of two). I have several wedding meetings, as well as a family gathering for mother's day on Sunday. Here are the places I have to go and the people I have to meet this weekend:

- Pianist

- Florist

- Church

- Caterer

- Coordinator

- Reception Venue

That's this weekend. Next weekend I also have a hair trial and my bachelorette party. Since we're moving, this is my last real chance to have meetings with vendors before we leave town.

So last month I had some problems with fraudulent charges on my debit card. I've been waiting for my new card ever since. I got my pin number in the mail last week, but still no card. I called the debit card services for UMB and told them. The gentleman said that they would cancel the card and issue me a new one. A few minutes after the phone call, I was going through some mail and FOUND my NEW debit card. I called back, only to be told to cut it up. Apparently, canceling a debit card is serious business and can't be undone. So now I have to wait until next week to get a new card. Fabulous.

Things I'll Miss...

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As moving day looms closer, I'm beginning to think about all of the things that I'll miss in Missouri (things, not people -- I'll miss all of my friends, that's a given!). I've lived in two Missouri cities and there are things about both that I'll miss. Here are just a few:

CoMO:

- Buckinghams: Turkey sandwiches and Sloppy Bucks... yummy!

- Forum8 Theater: Frequent movie-goer pass=free popcorn and soda!

W-Town:

- DQ: Oh my gosh, I could talk about this place forever. Lynne W. please move with us!

- Bob's Drive-In: If this place were to ever close down, I don't know what the citizens would do.

Of course, I will dearly miss my family and friends from both places.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Michael's graduation: 9 days!!!

Bachelorette Party: 10 days!!!

Moving Day: 11 days!!!

1st Day @ Cat: 13 days!!!

Wedding day: 45 days!!!

# Yes: 85

# No: 13

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Aren't they cute?

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The pooches got to enjoy a nice ride in the car today. Re-Pete loves to look out the window and see the cars and people going by. Penelope also enjoys seeing the people walking by, but not as much as she likes to bark at them as they do so. She has also learned that the passenger seat is a safe play to stretch out and not be stepped on by a certain other chihuahua as he tries to look out the window from someone's lap.

Things I should be doing...

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Here are a few of the things I should be doing right now, but am instead choosing to surf the net:

- Wash the dishes

- Fold laundry

- Study for next week's finals

- PACK!

- Fold favor boxes

- Work on the must-take photo list

- PACK!

- Clean the bathroom

- Oh, did I mention pack?

I'm definitely slacking off today and I shouldn't be. Moving day is going to be here before I know it. We aren't moving until May 18, but I have to have everything packed the evening on May 15. I know, it stinks, but Friday and Saturday are really busy days for both of us, so the earlier we're packed the better! It doesn't help that we'll be out of town May 9-11 as well. That means that right now I should be packing and scrubbing every surface of the apartment.

Now that I've been typing about it, I feel bad about being lazy. I need to check something online and then I suppose I'll start cleaning the kitchen more.

Michael's graduation: 10 days!

Moving Day: 12 days!

Sex & the City: the Movie: 24 days!

Our wedding: 46 days!

# Yes: 80

# No: 11

Urban Dictionary

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Michael is on the phone with a friend and they're reading the Urban Dictionary. I must say, I am getting quite the education, just listening to the conversation.

I've made what is possibly the list of things I have left to do until the wedding. I'm happy to see that there are only about 15 things on it, but I know that can change in an instant.

I did some major packing tonight. I packed all of my clothes except for what I'll wear over the next two weeks. It's quite an accomplishment.

Sorry this is so random. There's nothing else to report. We didn't get any response cards today. :(

Michael's graduation: 11 days!

Moving day: 13 days!

Wedding day: 47 days!

Practical Gifts

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As a guest to a wedding, I like to get people practical gifts. I like to know that my gift is being appreciated because it's something they can actually use. Our two wedding registries are filled with mostly practical things -- towels, dishware, small appliances.

People have been asking me what they should get Michael for graduation. He's not much help because he always says "I don't know" or "nothing." People are going to get him gifts he might as well give them suggestions.

Then it hit me.

At this point in our economic lifetime, do you know what would be the perfect gift to give someone as a wedding or graduation gift?

Gas. Station. Gift. Cards.

I know that BP stations offer gift cards, but do others? Think about what a great gift that would be. Gas in CoMO is currently $3.49 a gallon. In Illinois, it's quite a bit higher than that. What could be a better gift for someone who drives to work every single day than a gift card for gasoline?

Seriously.

####################
Michael's Graduation: 12 days!
Moving Day: 14 days!
Our Weddin Day: 48 days!

Yes: 76
No: 9
(there's no mail on Sundays)
####################

Weekend ramblings...

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Michael and I went to the movies last night. We were debating between two movies, but ended up seeing Iron Man. After previous disappointments with other comic books turned movies, I wasn't sure what to expect. Robert Downey Jr. did a good job as Tony Stark and provided me with just over two hours of entertainment.

Today I spent three hours in the library on campus. I was doing research for a paper I have due next week. Ellis Library is huge. It took a while to find the books I was looking for, but I finally did and then sat down to sift through them. I think I got some good information. That, coupled with the articles I got from JSTOR, should result in a good paper.

I'm having another one of those days where I have no idea what I want to do with my life and wonder if I'm wasting my time with Classics. I have a few other interests that I'm tossing over in my mind, but who knows if anything will come of them. I'm researching alternatives to decide what I should do.

It's a beautiful day outside! There's a cool breeze, but the sun is shining. I would love to be outside, but I have a feeling I'm going to do a little packing and a little cleaning. Who knows what else is in store for me today. I have no other plans.

Michael's graduation, the move, and the wedding are fast approaching. People keep asking if I'm excited about the wedding. I tell them to ask me in two weeks after I'm finished with school and we're moved. It's then that I'll have time to really address my feelings about getting married. Of course I'm excited about marrying the love of my life and being an incredible wife, but we're moving to another state, I'm a bit pre-occupied with that!

Anyway, the subject of this blog couldn't be closer to the truth -- I'm rambling! Anyway, I think I'll go do nothing. I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

==================

Michael's graduation: 13 days! :D

Moving Day: 15 days! :

Our Wedding: 49 days! :D

==================

YES: 76

NO: 9

Happy May!

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It's May! It's finally May! Do you know what this means? Do you?

It means we're getting married....

NEXT MONTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is really exciting! When people ask us when the wedding is, we can say 'next month!' instead of just saying June or rattling off a crazy number of months or days. The wedding is 7 weeks from tomorrow. Holy cow. SEVEN WEEKS!!! That's actually quite frightening. I remember when we first got engaged by in February `07 and saying our wedding was in 16 months, and then in June `07 saying it was in a year, and at Christmas saying it was in six months. But now we're counting down in weeks and days! It is unreal. Fifty days. Wow.

We're wrapping up our school stuff for the semester. Michael has his capstone presentation today. I'm not allowed to go. I'll just ask to read his paper later and try to figure out what it all means. I have a general idea from the title of his paper, but beyond that I'm lost. The title is: "Bone Void Filler & Antibiotic Delivery System for Open Fractures in Orthopedic Trauma." Yeah, that's a mouthful. It's something about suitable materials for bone replacement.

I'm finally beginning to look a little bronzed. Whoo! At this rate, I'll have a good tan when we move. Michael made a comment the other day that I look nice with a tan. I'm generally so pale I probably just look healthy for once. After we move, I have to find a place so I can continue to tan until the wedding.

TGIF! No exciting plans for the weekend, but I'm happy it's here. I have a paper to work on, as well as showing the apartment. I'm hoping to do a bit of sewing at some point, but we'll see. I hope everyone else has a wonderful weekend!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Michael's graduation: 14 days!

Moving Day: 16 days!

Our Wedding: 50 days!

YES: 72

NO: 9

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Short Post

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As the title suggests, this is going to be a short blog -- I hope. I'm tired, have a headache, and want to go to bed!

Wedding Checks:

I finally talked to our photographer today. He's mailing the contract to my parents' house. Contracts are amazing. They protect everyone involved. Anyway, he is my Aunt Nancy's brother-in-law and he's cutting us an amazing deal on everything. If it weren't for Randy, we'd probably have someone up there with a disposable, clicking away! He and his wife, Lisa, will be taking the pictures that day. They're both really talented. You can see some of their work here.

Lisa is also a cosmetologist. While the boys are upstairs having their pictures taken, Lisa will be downstairs doing my makeup. I had originally planned on driving to Sedalia that morning, but when we decided to hire Heather A. to do our hair, that went out the window. (We're saving tons on gas, though!)

I officially hate Kay Jewelers. I don't use that word very much, but I am so unhappy with their customer service right now and I doubt I will ever purchase another thing from them. It's a long story, so I'll post about it at another time.

Wow, it's barely after 10PM and I'm ready for bed! I guess I should take the dogs out and go to sleep. :)

Michael's graduation: 15 days!

Moving Day: 17 days!

Wedding Day: 51 days!

# of 'yes' responses: 72

# of 'no' responses: 9