my weekend highlight is going to be sleeping in. Because I'm worth it.

Yes you are. It feels like a wonderful luxury, doesn't it?

Should make for some nailbiting finishes.

Excellent. On which side will you prefer to play?

my weekend highlight is going to be sleeping in

Very few things can make me feel as spoiled and on-time-off as sleeping in. Yay you!

39 if you count hyperventilating and obsessing that I will have forgotten something

Oh, something I can help with!

the ceremony outside of Mass is just as nice and full of meaning.

So you get the best of the needed compromise?

Will it stress you less if I ask what's already been taken care of? I don't think I even know how your dress is going to look like.

So you get the best of the needed compromise?

Yes. I don't have to feel awkward taking Communion when he can't, but it's taking place in the church in which I grew up. The thing I like about the sacrament of marriage in the Catholic Church is that the bride and groom administer the sacrament to each other; the priest is only there to facilitate the proceedings.

Will it stress you less if I ask what's already been taken care of? I don't think I even know how your dress is going to look like.

Well, we have the church, the reception site, the florist, the band, the photographer, the cake (his mother is going to make it), the wedding party, and a wedding planner. And the dress: [link]

The seamstress is going to make a portrait collar, something very Audrey Hepburn-esque, to cover my shoulders for the ceremony.

Oh, and Maria, I forgot to write - about the picture? Of course it's OK. It waited for several months, a few more days can't matter at all. And I appreciate it.

the bride and groom administer the sacrament to each other; the priest is only there to facilitate the proceedings.

Something similar takes place in the Jewish wedding. Basically, it can take place without any rabbi, providing there are witnesses (not as simple as the ceremony in "Our Mrs. Reynolds", but still - oh, have you ever managed to watch "Firefly"?).

And the dress

Oh, it's absolutely gorgeous! The same color, as well?

to cover my shoulders for the ceremony.

That sounds like it will fit the dress quite well. Many Jewish brides do something similar for the "khuppa", the seremony, and later take it off.

Excellent. On which side will you prefer to play?

Not really sure. It's hard to tell before I get the game and see what else is going on. I suspect the good guys, but it sounds like they're harder to play too.

oh, have you ever managed to watch "Firefly"?

I'm watching it, an episode at a time, when I get the chance. I think I'm going to be very upset when there's no more to watch. My goal is to finish before the movie opens, though I won't be able to see it opening weekend since I've got a few things to do, like get married.

Oh, it's absolutely gorgeous! The same color, as well?

Exactly the same. The fabric is unbelievable--a lovely silk mikado that has a structure all its own. I'm going to have to force myself not to touch it constantly. As soon as I tried it on, I knew it was the one.

On this lovely note, I must run. DF needs to be awakened, and I need to catch a few hours of blissful sleep before my 11 am conference call. Have a lovely weekend and I'll send you the picture first chance I get.

I suspect the good guys, but it sounds like they're harder to play too.

Which side has the better animals? In the movies, I think the Bad Guys did.

Night, Maria! It was wonderful to finally post with you!

Which side has the better animals? In the movies, I think the Bad Guys did.

Hee. Well, the bad guys had oliphaunts. It's hard to top that. But then, giant eagles.

Well, the bad guys had oliphaunts

That's what I was thinking about when I posted, mostly.

But then, giant eagles

Giant Shelob. Just the one, though.

Giant Shelob. Just the one, though.

Good point. I think the giant Shelob might tip it.