I'm Not Dead!

Hey guys! Sorry for dropping off the face of the earth there for a while! I was slammed with exams and travel and the ever daunting task of moving back to the US. The good news is: I'M BACK! I got back to my hometown in Texas yesterday afternoon! YAYAY!!

My original plan was to arrive at the airport looking beautiful for my fiance whom I haven't seen in four months. HOWEVER, after missing my flight to Atlanta, being sent to New York, having all of my luggage (including carry-ons!) being held hostage in Tel Aviv, I arrived looking more like train wreck. My curly hair had become a mess, I had cried off all my make up in Tel Aviv and I had been sick and traveling for over 30 hours! Haha, yes, I don't know that I was a sight for sore eyes. Never the less, my family and fiance welcomed me into their arms. It was so wonderful to see them all again--even though I have to keep my distance so not to infect them, haha.


My study abroad experience was spectacular and eye-opening. I made a lot of really good friends (some of whom I hope will attend my wedding!) and I really improved on my Arabic! Yes, Jordan was fantastic, and honestly, I had a pretty rough go of it having to say goodbye. (That's probably why I kept crying at Tel Aviv. That security man had no idea what to do with this bawling passenger so concerned about her duty free cookies.) But, honestly, getting in on Christmas Eve, seeing David, laughing and sharing stories with my family; there really is no place like home for the holidays.

It's Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa?

It's DECEMBER? Wait, what happened to November? And fall? Wow, I guess time flies when you're studying abroad! I'll be home *this month*!! That means seeing DAVID again!! =D Unfortunately, in the one week we have together before he heads back to California, we have wedding stuff to do. Don't get me wrong, you all know I *love* wedding stuff, but his time home is limited and it's always a downer when we're on a schedule. Nevertheless, we have two main objectives for our arrival home: Engagement pics and figuring out what he's gonna wear!

Engagement pics are going to be done by our friend Katy! She's super awesome with pictures and photoshop, and I'm really looking forward to what ideas she has! That bad thing about the timing of this however....studying abroad has left me about 10 pounds heavier than I usually am. I am super confident I can lose the weight when I get home, but I don't think I'll be able to get back to a normal size for the pictures. =( My plan is to wear something loose and flowy and pray my face doesn't look to round!

As far as what the guys are wearing, I'm torn between buying suits and renting tuxes and I think it'll chalk up to which is cheaper. I've always preferred suits to tuxes, and grey suits would just be the bees knees! But, I also like the idea of having the guys in tux vests with David wearing a jacket. This may also be done with suspenders....

See? There's all sorts of fun things to be had!

Also in December/January I need to:

• Finalize guest list
• Order invitations and
• Start our registries

All doable, right? =)

A THOUSAND PLUS ONES WILL DESCEND UPON YOU

AND THEIR RSVP'S WILL BLOT OUT THE SUN!!

My answer? Then we will party in the shade! That's right. Unlike most brides who (rightfully) shun the dreaded "plus one," I am fully embracing it. I mean, once I put the guest list together, the final number was...daunting, to say the least. But, in all honesty, I'm seriously doubting I get more than 10 plus one's out of the 65 or so I'm including. Why? I've invited plenty of people they know and want to hang out with! There are only a few I can guarantee they'll use their plus one. Also, I can't help it--the more the merrier in my book! Yep...in my naive, slightly deranged book...

So, what's my no-holds, pres-cutting of any kind number? Aha, ok, get ready....495. Ok, ok, I know it's a big number. But after you get over the initial shock...about 50 are younger kids (or babies). Those kids don't eat much, and also drive their parents to not attend the reception or duck out early. Also, a good portion are distant family members that are mainly getting an invitation as more of an announcement. Add in the elderly, sweet couples from our church that have to get home before dark, and we're talking a reasonable number. However, I purposely made an inflated list (I did the same thing with my budget) so that I wouldn't have any surprises. So, bring it on!

Also, if you didn't get my 300 reference, go rent it. Now. And do yourself a favor: prepare for glory.