Day 8...

(Strange Clouds over Merrillville/Hobart. I believe after this picture, it stormed hardcore!)




of no COFFEE or POP!

I do crave me coffee, but Im staying strong.*sighs*

I think I might start to drink more green tea, cuz I know that aids in weight loss and is healthy for you. I think I even had a dream last night about someone going through my suitcase thinking that my bottle of green tea tablets were drugs. It was the strangest thing!:-S So yea....those are my goals.

As for the pilates, I've done them at least twice this week, which really isnt enough, so tomorrow, which will be my first day off in 8 days, I will start then religiously in the mornings to do my pilates. I was good for a few months, doing pilates at least 4-5 times a week, and then I came back to the states and tried to get readjusted and time helped in this excuse for me to not workout as much. But yea, pilates(my renewed religion) will begin tomorrow.

Personally, I do feel a bit lighter although the scale doesnt seem to totally agree with me on that. Something tells me that weight will drop off soon, like in bulk, cuz it does have the tendency to do that. Alright, even about my mental weight issue.

I think today, I will be heading over to the Park Department, where Jassen and I will be having our wedding in its gazebo and ask a few questions about it, such as how electricity is run(like for speakers), if chairs are provided, if tents are okay to set up to aid in any rainy weather, so guests are not rained on, costs hourly and any downpayments. Also, I think this week, I want to accomplish more on the wedding to-do list, like check around for other dresses por moi. I really liked the one that I have on reserve, but if i find anyone better than that(and cheaper, which would be nice), I would go with that.

Here are some things I would like to accomplish before the wedding date:

1. Do some sorta engagement portrait to mark the occasion
(With this, I think I will have my mom take some pictures and I will photoshop them up)
2.Wedding Dress
(I think really this is in the bag, cuz the dress I tried on, it felt really nice)
3.Bride accessories and makeup
(This is like a necklace, garter(1 to wear and the other to toss), and shoes) and for makeup, I might find a local place to do a trial run on how I would like my makeup done. Nothing too overdramatic or caked on or expensive.
4. Rehearsal Dinner Outfit
(For this one, I will probably go to my favourite clothing store Maurices and pick up something under $50)
5.Bride's going-away attire
(I'm not too sure if I would bother too much with this one, being as the reception would go until 12, and then it would just be a matter of Jassen and I traditionally staying at a hotel)
6.Doctor,Dentist, Blood Tests, and travel plans
(Well, I guess I have to get some sort of record from the doctor of shots and things and I'll be sure to head over to the dentist for my annual, but really thats it!)
7. Legal Fees
(This would be like the marriage licence, so I believe it will be about 20 for that, but may be as high as 80, I will try to find out this week)
8. Beauty Services
-massage(CHERIE)
-facial
-manicure/pedicure
-hairdresser(CINDY)
-makeup artist(some place local)
9. Groom's Attire and Additional Wardrobe
(I think tuxedos might be purchased on the other side of the pond, considering that everyone except the ring bearer in from there)
10.Wedding RIngs
(Jassen and I have started this process and found ones that are quite nice. We are still on the lookout and will do some more shopping around in December but its good to see some options)
11. Fiancee's gifts
(It's tradition to get something for one another and I'm thinking we should limit ourselves to something about $100)
12. Attendant's gifts
(I believe these are the things that would be on the table at the reception. Ive gotten some ideas from people so we shall see)
13.Gift's and ties for groomsmen
(This is taken care of by Jassen)
14.Printing
(INcludes: Invitations, announcements, programs, envelopes, and postage for it. I am creating part of the invitation, if not all of it, need to get stock paper and loads of ink, as well as envelopes and postage. Also I am creating the programs for the ceremony, so this should be alot cheaper than going through someone)

***Bachelor and Bachelorette Party's the weekend before might consist of a trip to Chicago and Clubbing***

**Bridal Shower will be provided by my Maid of Honour, my sister Nicole, and will most probably take place in May 2007**


15.Guest Accomodations
(My dad is the one in charge of this, but we need numbers from Jassen's side to accomodate!)
16. Transportation to and from ceremony
(Probably rent a limo, also for pictures and getting to the reception. Afterwards, maybe just have my parents drive us)
17. Official's Fee
(I have no idea how much this might be. Im hoping no more than $80-100)
18. Wedding Site Fee
(I will be figuring this out, but it shouldnt be more than $60)
19.Rentals for Ceremony
(Might need a tent, and we need to get some sort of walk carpet for the aisle)
20.Ring Pillow, UNity Candle
(I will probably be ebaying it up!)
21. Music for Ceremony
(Probably use my dads speakers and hook it up in the inside of the gazebo that way)
22. Flowers for ceremony as well as reception
23. Rehearsal Dinner
(Jim Dandy's would be dandy and Jassen's family would pay for this)
24. Video and Photographer
(Still on the look out for these!)
25. Lighting
26. Reception Fee
(Have the fee paid for)
27. Music
28. Caterers
(Have no choice but to go through 1)
29. Beverages
(Will consist of pop, coffee, tea, water, champagne on tables for toast, and 2 hour alcohol bar and the rest cash)
30. Any Rentals for reception
31. Favours and candies on tables
32. Toasting glasses, cake knife, guestbook
33. cake
34. groom's cake
35. wedding night accomodations
(Away from people, thanks)
36. Next day brunch
(At my parent's house, which will consist of bagels, donuts, coffee, tea, juices, and fruits)



Really, when broken down, its not toooo much of a to-do list, but it does feel a bit overwhelming

After the wedding, and the weekend, Jassen and I will head off to my spousal visa appointment in Chicago and apply for my visa there. Hoping that it moves swimmingly***THINKING POSITIVE***, we will then head back to the UK, most probably later that week back to the UK, and finish up plans for the UK reception.:-)