OK, given that I had so many problems that I wasn't able to breastfeed long enough that figuring out how to do it in public ever became an issue...

Is it just me, or are these things a heck of a lot more conspicuous than just having a baby in front of your boob? [link]

And they look smothering. I know they're not, but they look that way.

For those asking, I'm tempted by that dress in black. Or maybe dark green.

Stephanie, sorry you're having such problems with your car. I hope the mechanic turns out to be as competent as they were eager and the car comes out OK.

I used to work in an open office where there were no restrictions on noise - so I'd be on the phone with a member, trying to listen, while there was a radio going, someone singing, and three conversations going on at top volume. argh

sj, stick by your ideas - maybe smile sweetly, tell people whatever they're telling you sounds like a lovely idea, and then go and do what you want. A drink or three beforehand might help.

People really don't seem to get why I don't want to spend the equivalent of a downpayment on a house on a wedding.

Well, if it means that much to them you should offer to let them pay for it.

I had lunch with my aunt today, who really is a great person, but she completely stressed me out about wedding plans. People really don't seem to get why I don't want to spend the equivalent of a downpayment on a house on a wedding.

Ugh, I'm sorry you got stressed out. I think Toddson is right- just be pleasant and sort of tune them out and do what feels right for you and TCG.

People really don't seem to get why I don't want to spend the equivalent of a downpayment on a house on a wedding.

Vague is your friend when discussing wedding plans with people whose advice you don't want.

Unfortunately, the wedding industry is set up with the assumption that you'll be spending a downpayment, so you'll be faced with a lot of people who won't believe it when you say, "No, I don't wanna."

I would love for someone to say that they're putting the time, effort, and money into the marriage rather than the wedding.

So, our apartment just filled with a very strong smell of smoke. So much so that I was a little worried that some random spark had flown dog-only-knows how far, and set a nearby roof on fire. Or even just that some nearby unit or building had caught fire for some other reason.

Turns out our neighbor is grilling.

Trudy, they already have that part figured out, I should just have my mother pay for all of it and not worry about it. Truthfully, I do know that my mother spoils me and will probably be very generous, but I would rather some of that generosity went toward a honeymoon or helping us toward a house.

Part of the problem is I really don't know what I want. I keep flip flopping between a wedding with friends and family and eloping.

Elope, come home, and have a party?

I would love for someone to say that they're putting the time, effort, and money into the marriage rather than the wedding.

This is why I love premarital counseling so much! The day is nice, the lifetime is more important.

I just heard somewhere that you can register for help with a mortgage. Frankly, I find that way more romantic (...a cottage for two, etc.) than nine blenders. Every little bit helps.