Etiquette...

It's amazing how many ridiculous rules can surround one event. Why do the bride and groom have to give each other gifts at the wedding/rehearsal dinner/whatever? and it goes on and on... It's actually kind of funny. Fortunately, a friend gave me a handy book on all the etiquette rules around weddings. We haven't broken any rules yet - phew!

Can't believe that my parents will meet Rob in one week... as well as my little sister (not so little any more), my aunts, grandmother, etc. I hope it's not too overwhelming for Rob and his mom.

Speedo Santa Run

On Saturday, I went to watch Syriana with Rob's lab (and had a mini-engagement party at his advisor's house afterwards). The movie was pretty good. I think you have to know about the history of the region to fully understand the movie. I found it very thought provoking movie, and I find that I keep looking back and thinking the message, history, and perhaps the sad hopelessness of the situation.

We went to the Loews on the Common to watch the movie, and we got there just in time to see the Santa Speedo Run! I could easily have spent my lifetime not having witnessed this event. Who in their right mind wants to see 100s of men running in their speedos?!? I didn't even know the run existed. It was really funny though... although there was one guy in a g-string that was decidedly not funny. The hardest part was trying not to laugh when two guys slipped and fell - it made me feel mean, but I just couldn't suppress my giggles!

On a very happy note - I finally have my real ring. I love it! On the planning note... still no closer to having a set date.

new people

met a few new co-workers... or rather hung out with them more intimately. also met a friend's fiance and that was cool. is fiancee or fiance male/female? i met a male.

Honeymoon...

Belize - rainforest and beach combo that we're hoping for... it's quite high on the list at the moment. It will be interesting to see how it all pans out. I guess we really need a date first?

Planning hasn't been TOO bad yet. I wish it were easier for places to accept the idea of an outside caterer. I want Persian food... you can't make it, so let's make a deal. But it's not working quite that way. It's interesting. I like the places that say if we give them the recipe, they can make it. yeah, right... even better are those who offer to create a "Persian fusion." I think I'll pass on an experimental menu.

U2

Just got back from the concert - it was AWESOME! We had such a good time.

Date considerations for wedding have been brought to end of August, September, or October. My mom has been given the task of finding places for me to visit during my short time in Toronto. We have booked tix to go see Rob's family in NC, and then to go up (with his mom) to meet my parents. So much to do between now and then!

Friends, Advice, and Bridezilla

Just had our first engagement toast together... my manager at work invited everyone on my team, and the two girls from the team next to us, but this was different. It was just lovely to have friends who cared for you celebrate an engagement together, especially over nice champagne (which you can count on BS for!!)

I can't help but look for advice from friends who have been married who have been engaged longer than us... I also can't help but comment on the things that I've learned so far - such as rings not costing as much as you think, just because the diamond is absurdly huge! (Some people have told me more about their rings than I want to know!) I am going to try and be good and not bore anyone, but I feel like (considering less than a week has gone by) that I can have at least this time to enjoy... to say what I want... at least until I go to Toronto and all is really official. I can't wait for that though!!

All is good...

Told my dad this morning, and it went REALLY well. I can't believe how easy it was, and he was excited. Funny statements from convo:
"Does he take drugs?"
"Does he drink a lot or too much... like with a bottle next to him at night?"
"Is he an American??" (worried that I was being taken in for citizenship!)
I said Rob is from a Welsh background and my dad said, "I was just talking to someone the other day about how hot-headed the Welsh are... is he ok in that respect?" (haha)

Anyway, it went wonderfully. My mom called me a few hours ago to let me know that she looked at another place for the engagement party. She invited some friends already, and they are coming... one is going to do my makeup! If she does it well, she can do it for the wedding. craziness... and now we are wondering if Rob's parents should come for the engagement party as well. The madness has begun.

Then I talked to my little sis who was SO excited. She was the first to ask what his last name is... and she repeated it to my mom who thought she said "jinx." great. lots of laughter and happiness, and it was so fun to hear. It's amazing the excitement an engagement/wedding can bring to lives... do people suffer post-partum depression-like stuff afterwards? Then again, the planning is supposedly so stressful, that I think most people are just relieved.