Day One: Done

The thing about New Things is, the first day is always hard. So much to know and feeling out of your element.

About halfway through the day, though, two familiar--and quite beautiful--heads popped up over the wall of one of those podlike things where you sit when you have a New Thing. I was so happy to see them, and the one other familiar person joined us for lunch. Thanks, friends. It went a looong way in making me feel more comfortable today.

The only hiccup? Losing my car in the ramp despite the fact that I texted myself my location before I left. Idiot. But I found it! And all is well.

And now I'm exhausted from the Change in Things. Just thought I'd update.

New Things

William and I have been abundantly lucky in the last couple of months. We have had so many New Things. New experiences, new environments, new opportunities (and I got a new car). There's a lot to be said there, but I have just been so out of it. And so much has been happening, I haven't had time to fully process it all.

I've read that quote about "The harder I work, the luckier I get." I have to wonder in our case if at least there is some truth to that. I see how hard we work each week and how much passion we have for our careers and making our lives together the best they can be. There's also timing, and being in the right place.

Lately it feels like both of us are in the right place. Just so many pieces are falling into place right now. It feels exhilarating.

One these New Things happens tomorrow for me. It's one of those things We Do Not Blog About, lest we get Dooced. But let's just say a 30% off coupon to Banana Republic was well-timed, because I'm having to upgrade the wardrobe a little bit. For tomorrow and for the foreseeable future.

It's kind of one of those one-in-a-lifetime New Things. I'm really psyched. Wish me luck.

Tomorrow

Tomorrow morning, we are leaving. We are embarking on one of our biggest adventures of our lives.

I ran errands almost all day today; I'm packing right now, or finishing. I got the people on the airline to agree to hang and store my dress for free, and still allow me another carry-on (it required two phone calls, the second put through to a much nicer operator). I thanked her profusely and told her she made my day. I'm hoping we might get a free upgrade tomorrow, but she said she couldn't say one way or the other, but that the airline does do that for people. Hope for me!

I finalized everything with the wedding planner. Flowers are being planned; guitarist is hired with songs to practice. Plans for the night before, getting ready, underway. Our first days in Hawaii are so close we can nearly smell the plumeria in the air. I had my ring cleaned today so it's nice and sparkly.

I have paperwork, directions, folders, wedding accoutrements of all kinds in my carryon. Nothing that goes to the wedding goes in the suitcase. I hope my carryon fits the dimensions...I will practice my "i'm getting married" pout and smile.

We are drinking red wine and watching tv and packing and this will be our last night in our little loft as a "dating" couple. Our last night of two last names in one residence.

It was a beautiful day in Minnesota today--sunny and warm and blooms exploding everywhere. Yet I'm not sad to leave a stretch of decent weather for Hawaii, for the wedding, it is happening, it is here, it is upon me, and I can hardly believe it.

Tears, happy ones, have tracked down my face several times today. I'm starting to feel the emotional and physical load of all this, facing marriage, the rest of my life with my honey.

I was completely overwhelmed and felt so loved by all the people who called me today and wished me congratulations and early happy marriage and safe travels, all the blog comments and emails and facebook messages on my wall. Who said they just had me in their thoughts. Happy messages that kept my stress level down, that made me feel so loved by everyone. Thank you.

Tonight William said to me, "When we get old and it is snowing and I hold your hand to help you cross the street, you'll feel warm when you think of this night, the night before we leave for Hawaii." Then he leaned over and kissed me, and all I could do was cry.

The next time you hear from me, I'll be a married woman. I can't promise photos or entries while I'm gone but I will try.

open for business

my oh-so-talented almost-hubby has officially opened his etsy shop. you can check out his amazing photography here.
of course, i'm kinda biased, but i think you'll agree. i'm so proud.
running on reserve battery power now, so gotta run. go look!