Trying to work on my dissertation. Kind of at a point where I can't write anything more until my advisor answers some questions. Advisor, once again, seems to have disappeared from the face of the earth.

I am meeting SA for dinner tonight. Monday looking much better!

Remember to pass along my hugs!

Your advisor kinda sucks, Hil.

No, wait: your advisor TOTALLY sucks.

Barb, it's so cool to see you excited about your move!

Pix and Drew: congrats again! I looked at Tom's Flickerstream and it looks like everyone had a great time at your reception.

ION, library wedding is out. We went over budget stuff this weekend, and I think our wedding budget is like $12. Not really, but...I am thinking more and more that we will be having a simple backyard wedding. Which kinda is freaking me out, cause our backyard is trashed, and neither one of us is especially gifted in the yardening department. (Yes, I just coined that term, ASAIK. I'm kinda pleased."

However, I did make a delicious roast last night, with fingerling potatoes (on sale, yay! And PURPLE!!) The meat was very, very tender; it was a $5 arm roast that I baked with a bunch of french onion soup mix for two hours. It turned out well.

Also, I have decided on a Mechantes Contessa corset -- I am undecided on the fabric, but like both of the paisleys in the pink brocade offerings. And I am going to get a circle skirt in silk or chiffon made by one of the bellydancing costume sites; they are generally about $80, and I am just going to have the side slits sewn, and have the length shortened to a 1/2 inch below the knee. The color will depend on what fabric I go with on the corset.

I think I will be able to get my wedding outfit at about $375. And completely able to wear the componenets after the wedding!!

I thought you were free of that advisor, Hil.

Erin, you have any yardener friends who might be interesting in helping with that as a gift?

Erin, the great thing about doing it in your backyard will be that all of the monies and effort going into beautifying it will be enjoyed long after the honeymoon.

I do, Erin. (Heh.)

Our deck is...not very stable, though. I don't know how much it would cost to repair it, and of all the things I am handy at, building is not one. I don't care if it's fancy; I just would want anyone to get hurt.

EDIT: Java, yes, I have certainly had that thought!

Has anyone mentioned The Offbeat Bride website - [link] I've been looking at it and there are some good ideas for weddings that are DIY and on a budget.

I found a way to type that doesn't bother my arm too much. Also, I think I'm getting better because I had an urge to start tidying.

Gah. My back still hurts after my fall last Monday. I've also noticed a little bit of swelling in my lower back. I don't think that was there yesterday. Methinks it's time to call the doc.