A neighbor-friend, who writes a syndicated humor column has made a deal with his daughter. "Elope and I'll give you [insert mid-5-figure sum here]. If you have a wedding...I'll come."

He and his wife got married, after being together for more than a decade, by meeting at a judge's chambers during lunch and then going back to work.

Interestingly, their marriage is one of the strongest I've ever seen.

Riffing off what Beej said because good/big weddings do not always ensure good/long marriages: There's no one way to get married, but when I was planning my wedding it sometimes felt as if the wedding industry was trying to push/pull me that way. There were assumptions made -- about the dress I'd want, the garter, the veil, the food, the dance, etc. -- and on many of these I'd have to put my foot down and say, "No! Not going to happen that way."

I don't think that my wedding planner was being evil, I just think there's a checklist involved and when you do deviate it's more work for everyone involved.

Speaking of more work, why do people always want statistics that don't exist?

why do people always want statistics that don't exist?

It's really only about 18.3% of the people who want those statistics, but it feels like 76.1%.

t runs away

Just don't be engaged so long your shower gifts go off warranty.

WE eloped- but then again we lived together long enough so that we more or less felt married anyway.

done:

grocery store

drug store

stock is cooking

added: email about house concert to neighborhood.

It's really only about 18.3% of the people who want those statistics, but it feels like 76.1%.

t flings squashy pillow at Tep's head as she runs away

What makes me crazy is that 84.6% of the 18.3% remain convinced that what they want does exist because they're sure they saw the numbers somewhere but forgot to write the source down and don't remember any of the circumstances surrounding their discovery.

I heard back from the dentist, I'm scheduled for May 23, since they only get the surgery center the third Wednesday of the month they don't have any openings for next week, although if something opens up they will let me know.

Ooh, sorry you have to wait so long, askye. Hope the pain eases up meanwhile, or at least doesn't get worse.

It doesn't hurt all the time, just certain things trigger it. they suggested warm salt water rinses 3-4 times a day and iburprofren or asprin so I'll start doing that.

If I didn't have all this anxiety over the dentist I could get this done in their office, stupid panicky reactions!

Eeep, that seems like a long wait askye. Hope the rinses help.

I've had 3 lovely big weddings with all the family and friends. None were costly. The first my parents paid for and we had a Catholic church wedding followed by dinner at a friend's restaurant. It was 1973 and I wore a yellow flowered minidress. The second one was on New Years Eve in a Presbyterian church still decorated for Christmas in the evening. Very lovely with my gown designed by the costume designer for the Miami Opera and wonderful music and singing since DH worked for them at the time. Reception and food was provided by DH's sister at her home. 3rd time I got married at Morikami Gardens, a county park for a $60 park fee. One friend made my gown, another friend helped my sisters and mother and I prepare all the food. I had a blast each time. Not doing it again.

Also, Teppy's Easter eggs are adorkable. Awwww