mousse

I'm going to a ladies' potluck tonight with an alcohol theme... I'm going to make chocolate mousse w/ frangelico... and maybe one with chambord or something like that. I was considering an almond flavoring, but I just remembered the alcohol rule and I only have almond extract... I believe technically it has alcohol in it, but I don't think that quite counts!

Planning is coming along... flowers, cake, music are the major things left. I believe I'm supposed to already have them done... along with having a veil, shoes, and accessories, but since when have I ever followed suggested timelines?

Friends are having babies all over the place and although at first it was strange, and I felt like I was aging too quickly, I realized there's nothing I can do about it. Babies are coming... Seeing Viviana last night (who is 10 days over due!) really drilled it in... and with my second high school friend pregnant, and the last one having had her baby last month... well, baby time is here. and my best option is to enjoy them and be excited, and fortunately I definitely am!!

I've been thinking about growing older a lot lately. I learned early this week that my cousin's husband died in a car crash two weeks ago. I called to get her married name from my aunt (for invitations - such a happy thing) and then I learn about this. Fortunately, I had asked my aunt whose son is getting married this summer too, as I figured she would have to know... and then I learn this. Thankfully, I wouldn't have called her parents as they are in Iran, and I'm not quite as close with them. Sima, my cousin, was in the car too, hurt her arm, and had to have surgery for that. She is in Iran now with "the body" as my aunt put it, as she is one of my London cousins. It's really very tragic, especially considering that their family has suffered in many ways in the last 10-20 years. On top of it all, I learn that my uncle (her dad) had a heart attack and was having surgery last week, so he doesn't know about his son-in-law yet. Combined with the babies, the engagement, and my birthday last month, I can't help but realize that such is the cycle of life. I'm a little scared of the deaths the future holds - ok, terrified - especially because they're inevitable. Part of me wants to whole up somewhere and not be friends with anyone... but I can't miss out on the happy things... it's the graduations, the parties, the ladies' nights, the babies and the weddings, the Super Bowls that I suffer through, and many other markers and accomplishments in our lives that I have to witness... and perhaps the pain of loss is beautiful, because it comes from a well of loving and caring. How cheesy.