Kat, are you around? I have a Gracie report, and she really enjoyed the massage therapy, I think.

I find that some people just don't like essays, and don't really know that it's that particular genre that they're getting twisted up over.

I am thoroughly irritated with Monday, but can't call it a day until the painkillers kick in. So I'm hiding in here having cast my family out into the living room and they're being extra quiet because I'm all curt.

I think you're right, paperdol. I didn't use to like them, but started enjoying them a lot a few years ago.

One of my regrets is that I couldn't get to a bookstore while I was with my Mom in order to give her a copy of The Book, but since I gave her a TomTom and a copy of Feeling Good while I was there, I think I fulfilled my filial gifting duties and it will still be a good gift the next time I see her, or for Xmas, even.

Um, hi.

My first time tiptoeing back in ages, and I'm pleased to see Theo is the traditional early morning post!

I have The Book! I'm saving it to read at Winfield.

How is everyone? I'm slowly catching up in threads, and it must be some masochistic deathwish, but I started out in Bureaucracy.

katefate! What have you been up to?

Well, that didn't take long. Remember the cat bed from last night? [link]

Kate!

Hi! My latest deal is sleep apnea. A friend informed me I stopped breathing while I sleep early this summer, and after a bunch of tests, I got a CPAP a few weeks ago. Adjusting to it is taking some time, but I see a difference already. I feel a lot clearer, and people at work have stopped telling me how ill I look!

How are you?

Brenda! And you? I love that picture, and I skipped, so I don't even know all the story.

Hi KateFate!

{{Callaluna}} Yeah, normal. As is working too damn much when you work for yourself. Try and take a little time to enjoy the process and each other. Maybe cut out some tuxedos from a catalog and an appropriate paper doll and play dress up with him. Trying to repeat the process he had with the best man might not work. Be sure to include blue ruffles with the samples.

Ok, first, my apologies for choosing to share my little breakdown with you all last night. I feel guilty in the light of day.

I adore the paper dolls idea, though he would be horrified. But man, I always loved paper dolls!!! And you were kidding about the blue ruffles, right? I haven't told you guys about that have I?

The first (and only) request Ross made was that he be permitted to wear a powder blue tuxedo with ruffles. Like from Dumb and Dumber. He thought it would be hysterical. I was, understandably I think, unconvinced. I wasn't going for a laugh riot, more of the understated but elegant route. Plus, by that point, he'd already agreed to our black and ivory color scheme - and powder blue just doesn't fit there. I said no, my Mom said no, his mom said HELL NO (she told him she would get a stand in groom if he did that to me).

He reminds me of this denial EVERY TIME I ask him for input on the wedding:

Me: What do you think, chicken or beef for the second entree?

Him: I'm not even going to have an opinion, because my ideas just get ignored anyway.

Truly, it's utter craziness. I've pointed out to him numerous times that this should have all been about compromise - had he suggested ten ides instead of one, he'd have likely gotten his way on 6 or 7 of those ideas. But when you suggest ONE idea, which completely does not mesh with all the other decisions that have been made, it's a no.

So he's brought this up about forty thousand times now, and continues to torment me about it, and little does he know, I have a surprise for him that I've been planning for months and months.

While I may not find the powder blue tuxedo thing as amusing as he does, I do understand that marriage is about compromise. So I have arranged to rent a SECOND tuxedo secretly (if he will just order the first one, dammit). After the ceremony, and the beginning of the reception, we will slip away and reemerge as a portrait in blue - him in the powder blue tuxedo with ruffles, me in a sapphire blue evening gown, complete with blue shoes, blue handbag, a gorgeous sapphire necklace (was so happy to have an excuse to buy THAT), AND a matching blue tiara. I've even ordered a tossing bouquet in shades of blue. Who loves you baby?

My mother has even arranged for the DJ to play "Devil With a Blue Dress" as we re-enter.

See, I'm not bridezilla. I'm willing to let it all go and just be silly at the reception. But the boy looks damned fine in a tuxedo, and I want to see it again before I die.