I've missed you, blog

I have been blogger MIA for 10 days. OMG, I don't even know myself anymore. Just kidding, I do. I've just been SO incredibly busy that blogging hasn't stood a chance against my schedule. So here's a quick little post to get my blog fix in the midst of an uber-crazy week (it's Reunion time for my boss' Vietnam Company at work, so between regular work and all the Reunion events I have zero minutos to write/type).

UPDATES TO MENTION:

1.) On Sunday, November 2, Regency (our beloved venue for those of you clearly not paying attention to previous posts) had an open house. Todd had to work, so Mom, Dad and I ventured out to Haymarket, met some local preferred vendors, ate our weight in bacon wrapped scallops and wedding cake (some pretty icky cakes, i'll have you know), discovered which hotels are closest to Regency, and realized that picking out table linens is actually really difficult and at the bottom of my list of "fun things you get to plan for your wedding!" Our DJ (David from Horizon) was also at the open house, so that made me feel good that he was scoping out the scene well in advance.

2.) This past Thursday Todd took me to my first VA Tech tailgate and football game. I received a fair amount of teasing, as well as guidelines for marrying "The Godfather" from the Shandy Council. The majority of you reading this have no idea what the Shandy Council is or why they call Todd "The Godfather", but I promise I will post a blog dedicated just to the Shandy Council for all to understand. Tailgate was awesome -- Connor and Lauren made delicious chili, Todd cooked some amazing steaks, Lauren brought her hilarious dad, who brought some super rich cannoli's and fantastic dancing skills, Keith brought some Captain Morgan, which is against his own personal rules (for good reason), Ameer brought himself, some camo pants, and his C.A.P.S. CAPS CAPS CAPS! cheer, broke his glasses, and called Jamie to tell her about my amazing upchuck skills after their wedding, Tommy got into an "I love him more" "no, I love him more" kindergarten argument with me over Todd and informed me that the entire Shandy Council will be standing up front at our wedding and will all have to say "I Do" in order for me to be accepted. He also informed me that Lauren was his favorite wife, which is understandable because she's known them all the longest, and well, she's just completely adorable! And I brought cupcakes hand decorated with little VT's on the top, which made it all the way from Arlington to Centreville to Blacksburg unharmed, and [not so] surreptitiously turned upside down in their container minutes before arriving at the tailgate. That batch never again saw daylight. But, aside from the cupcake snafu, all-in-all my first experience was awesome and I can't wait to go back.

3.) Friday afternoon we got back from Tech just in time to shower and hit the road for Silver Spring, MD to visit Gus, the jeweler. Found our wedding bands, which makes my heart happier and fuller than I could ever imagine, bought them, which makes my/Todd's bank account emptier than ever, and drove home hungry because we couldn't afford dinner. Just kidding, we could. I love our wedding bands. I can't explain the feeling of seeing Todd with a ring on his finger, knowing what that ring would symbolize for the rest of our lives. And my ring, well, it makes my beautiful engagement ring look even more amazing and I can't wait to wear it every day. Todd said as soon as the rings are ready he's shipping them up to Jay in Scranton so that I can't even sneak a pre-wedding try-on. I'm ok with that.

4.) Saturday morning we watched Michigan kick Minnesota's tails, dontcha know! and then headed to mom and dad's to review/make changes to the guest list. Surprisingly no blood was shed...nor were any tears...and the list was sorted out in record time! I absolutely LOVE the guest list we have put together and can't wait to see everyone at our wedding. We counted up the wedding party and it makes up almost 1/3rd of the entire guest list. Amazing! Which means that is going to make for one heck of a rehearsal dinner as well!

5.) Saturday evening we went from mom & dad's over to Fair Oaks Mall to register at Macy's. Let me just say that registering is NOT as easy as it sounds. Todd and I hadn't even thought about what hand towels and matching soap dispensers we envisioned in our future guest bathrooms! We did manage to register for a serious collection of Calphalon One cookware (can you tell I'm marrying a chef!!) and some beautiful silverware. Otherwise, I wasn't completely thrilled with Macy's selection and hope to have better luck with their online registry. By 8pm we were exhausted, headed out for a late dinner, and went home to fall into bed.

6.) Sunday morning we got up uber early for us on a non-workday, and headed to Bed Bath & Beyond to check out their registry process/options/etc. We thought we'd be slick and get there right at store opening (9am) but sadly we were mistaken as they don't open until 10am on Sundays. So instead we went to Kohl's and purchased a handful (read: armload) of unnecessary items. BACK to BB&B...wow! They are the mecca of registries. The pricing gun was easy to use, the selection was fantastic, and Sarah (our registrant...is that a word?) was awesome and super helpful. I made Todd register for almost every oxo kitchen utensil on the wall-o-kitchen-wonder. He informed me (with a big smile) that he envisions all of those items ending up in our Christmas stockings. OK by me! We also registered for my dream vaccuum...a Dyson...and some great classic white dishes, which I'm psyched about. PLUS, BB&B keeps your registry open for your first 2 years of marriage, so anything you don't get for your wedding, is still available for future birthday's, anniversaries, holiday's, etc. Nice!

Sadly I had to cut our registry fun short on Sunday as I had to sprint back out to Arlington for the start of the Veteran's Day -- Vietnam Company Reunion events. I just got back from the second of three events (tomorrow caps it off with brunch and the Veteran's Day ceremonies at the Vietnam Wall Memorial), and wanted to finish my post that I've been working on for so long now. Todd has been on vacation, and has been so wonderful to spend the majority of his vacation doing wedding things with me. This morning he drove up to PA to spend some time with Jay (best man) and his wife Larissa. I wish I could have gone with him because they are two of the best people I've ever met...AND Jay's parents are so cute I could just squeeze them!! :) Ahh Mary and Lou...

Anyway, off to bed to prep for another busy day...which will bring to a close the jam-packed schedule of the past 6 days. I can't wait to get home tomorrow evening, fall onto my couch, and watch my DVR'd episode of Bridezilla's from Sunday night!!