Remember the craxy bride from yesterday with the three showers? We had dinner last night, and I was able to calmly discuss my issues. I discovered that

1. the reason that MIL is having a shower is because none of his relatives will leave Baltimore except for the wedding

2. Is is NOT her idea to invite every female invited to the wedding to the shower, she didnt' even know that's what the "plan" was.

3. She suggested doing smaller numbers for the bachelorette party/wine tour, to lower cost, but "(bridesmaid) didn't seem enthusiastic about that"

4. She says that she has nothing to do with any of the showers, she's just being told when to show up.

Isn't that interesting? I said "honey, you need to remind people that this is your fucking wedding, and while you don't want to be a bridezilla, they shouldn't do things that inconvenience YOU"

I just found out a friend of mine from Germany is going to be moving to Boston for the fall. Yay! And he's asking my assistance in finding an apartment, which I'm totally willing to do, but I'm not sure where to look, not actually being in Boston or the Boston apartment market at all. Can anyone give me pointers? I guess craigslist is the obvious place to start...

I said "honey, you need to remind people that this is your fucking wedding, and while you don't want to be a bridezilla, they shouldn't do things that inconvenience YOU"

Amen. You are a good friend for reminding her of her bridely rights.

That's between you and your muppet, Frank.

Do not taunt happy fun Elmo. Some assembly required. Elmo not available in Wisconsin, Maryland or Alaska. Your Elmo may vary.

I keep wondering if I should keep my Tickle Me Elmo or not. He still makes me smile, but it's house-purging time.

Kate, craigslist is good, and also, you may want to ping vw/Emily. They have something opening up in their apt.

We have a hokey-pokey Elmo, but he is quite passe as far as the kids are concerned.

I like Cyberchase. It sneakily promotes thinking.

I asked my daughter who she liked better Bianca or Harry. She went with Harry.

Connie, I would get rid of him, as the memories of him will still make you smile, but so will not having to pack him to move or take up space with him in the new place and the kid who gets him from Goodwill or wherever will smile too. Result--extra smiles.

I always look at the benefit of stuff when I decide to get rid of it--if it's only use to me is that it makes me have happy memories, and it still has the power to make NEW happiness for someone poorer than I am, then out it goes.

That is a whole different problem, Vortex. Poor bride.