Ugh. This is so late, you probably already have your ticket. I apologize.

I'm flying into New Orleans on Wednesday (arrive @ 4:44) and out on Sunday (out @ 12:15). I know we were supposed to go to Layafette, but that nearly doubled the price of the ticket and Deb was okay with it.

I'm glad I asked! Hopefully this means we'll get to see everyone at the wedding- and I get out of Wisconsin in February! Digging me out of two feet of snow to fly south and celebrate with some of my favorite people sounds lovely, even if it does mean I have to wait a bit longer.

Anyone been blown away yet? It's nutty weather up here, I imagine it's pretty nutty where you guys are too. Speaking of which- Deb, I need to get my plane ticket so I really need to know dates and times. I've already got my dress and I'm going to get it taken up locally (lady who made my prom dress) And if I really want to I can always break out the crazy heels and wear it as is ;)

Thanks :) You ever notice as you get older you have more and more birthdays to keep track of, your brain can't remember any of them half the time? Yeah, that'd be me so I totally understand. People here remembered, and just as importantly, remembered that I don't like to make a big deal out of my birthday. So no singing at dinner out, even if I couldn't avoid it at tai chi, and lots of nice little celebrations with different people- parents, Chali, tai chi people, art people and the museum people (lol I have *people*)

Deb, for the wedding: I know I need to have white somewhere in my dress, but I don't think the sashy thing will work with my dress so I was thinking flower(?) Do I have buy the little DB flower or can I wear a real one? Any other options I'm forgetting?

Bailey says hi (he's just about comatose next to me) My baby is turning three very soon (May 8) Oh yes and my parents are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary the same day (!!!)

Camera is still- well, I'm really starting to worry about where the fuck my camera is, but anyway, you have to settle for the website pic.

It has a neat little detail in the back with the beading and such. Goes down into a v (need to figure out a bra that low too) and has all these tiny 'buttons' going down (there's a zipper) I tried on a few different things, but this one seemed to work the best. Chali really liked the separates with a corset and skirt, I just couldn't *breathe*. And I was a little worried about having the boobies tumbling out at some very inappropriate time ie ANY time. There was another one (I can't find a picture of it) that was just HOOCHIE. Long skirt, yes yes, but OMG BOOBIES *hides* It was *not* for a wedding, it was for the bachelors party. The bachelor who wants to get his ass in trouble bachelor party. Uh uh.

In other, non-hoochie news, Tom got back from Africa today, safe and sound. We met him and Graham over in Janesville at Culvers (you guys remember Culvers- custard and butterburgers? Ringing any bells?) Graham had all his pictures and Tom was telling us about the game trips (seeing NOT shooting) visiting the schools, staying with the tribes. It sounded amazing, absolutely amazing. Tom bought a goat while he was there and, because this is what the Masai tribesmen do, he got to suffocate it. Fun, I know. But they do that to preserve the hide and the body because every part of the goat is used- kind of like the Indians with buffalo. They gave him the knife they used to cut it up too (he was so proud of that, it was cute) Graham said they offered him and Tom blood, too, but they said no. You don't drink the water, you *really* don't drink the goat blood.

But Tom's telling us all this stuff and he pulls out that knife. In the middle of the restaurant. My parents started to freak a bit, but he was like, Naw naw it's just a little knife. It was the length of my arm. He gave my dad a ceremonial knife from one of the other tribes they visited and a chief's staff (my dad says it looks like a shalalee; I concur) My mom got this big beaded necklace that marks a married woman and a bracelet. I got two beaded anklets, a beaded bracelet and this beautiful beaded belt with little metal bits hanging from it (it sounds like a wind chime when I move)

The thing is, African women are skinny. The anklets? They're bracelets, there's no way I'll get them around my ankles, and I'm still amazed the belt fits. I doubt it will fit at my hips where my pants usually sit, but it does go around my waist (at the second smallest hole!) Wildly proud of that, especially after my celebratory Cinnabon (I bought my dress *and* drove to Milwaukee, that requires calorie love) But I haven't gone near any of it since we got home. I got so sick on the drive home, crying, going to vomit sick, and the smell of the smoke and leather is still really strong on everything. I figure once they've had a chance to air out, though, it'll be fine. Tom just had to pack everything up to get it through customs (I think he 4-5 knives) so nothing we got has been in fresh air for a while.

Wow, what else today... I lost my gold cross, still not happy about that. It came off the chain when I was outside with Bailey. We all searched the yard, but came up with nothing. I'm going to keep an eye out for it, though, and keep my fingers crossed that a bird doesn't see it and decide it wants something shiny.

Yay!! Can I see pics??!?!!?

I have. my. DRESS!!!!

*bows*


Sorry it took so long :)

Oh My GOD! I'm on wedding OVERLOAD...Cake, Venue, decorations, invitations...Lord help me!!

July 21st...that's the date...finally, after much deliberation and rearranging. Still not sure if Webb's family is even going to make it! But you guys still have time to get dresses, BUT...something to think about, if you go to David's Bridal and they either don't have the dress you want in your size, or in the colors you need, it takes about 6 weeks to come in, THEN another 6 weeks if any alterations need to be made. Candace's dress JUST got in...so yeah...takes a while.

Any completely un-planned, un-annouced trips to LA by my wonderful and INSANELY missed girls would be greatly appreciated! LOL...Mama...Can't wait to see the hair! If anyone can rock it...it's definitely you! And Buggy...LOVE LOVE LOVE you and kudos to Ashton!! Girls are a lot prettier than guys, but I love my Webb. Oh and I would have whooped up on some non-English-speaking-ass for slacking on the alcohol! LoL...Speaking of...Any preferences for alcohol for the wedding reception?? I'm trying to get special things for the special people!! =)

More later. Malachi sends big kisses to the Aunties!!!!!

Love Love Love!

That's a good question. When is the wedding?! Me and my mom were just discussing that a couple days ago.

Crap. I need to get my dress, don't I?