My latest hobby

Wedding planning. Unfortunately for me, all the big stuff is pretty much done, which means I don't have as good an excuse now when Luke asks me why I am looking at wedding stuff again (or wedding porn, as I affectionately call it). I still am looking for ideas though . . . we've got the photographer, we've got the DJ, the cake, I found my dress and picked our florist. But, there is still the details of decoration, writing the ceremony (the most important part!), Luke's suit, ties for all the fellas- Luke, dads and bro, and all the little things to be done when we get closer. Having a year to plan is more than enough time. With as organized as I am (with the things I actually care about), I could have pulled it all off just as well with only a few months to plan. So, for those of you just getting started, I thought I would share some blogs I subscribe to for ideas and thoughts.

First and foremost, Offbeat Bride. This was one of the first I subscribed to. I love the unique and diverse weddings. We are somewhat traditional in our day-to-day lives, but both big believers in expressing our individuality at times that it is significant for us. Our wedding obviously, will be one of those times. There is also Offbeat Tribe, which has loads of brides (and some grooms) to be sharing ideas.

Then, there is $2,000 Budget Wedding. We are very lucky we have my parents offering to support and help us with the wedding, which will allow us to have it in a venue we love but could not have afforded on our own. This couple did it all on their own, for under $2,000 and I think it looks like one of the most lovely weddings I have seen in a long time. Lots of advice, ideas, etc that are worthwhile.

While the others deserve numerous accolades, I am going to just list a few other of my favorites for now. I am sure I will be mentioning them more in future. Google Reader is my new found procrastination hobby.
Weddingbee- multiple people contribute to this site, lots of good ideas and advice from various perspectives
Earth Friendly Weddings- You get the idea. . .
10,000 Dollar wedding- This blogger makes me giggle, AND gives me good ideas
A Practical Wedding- Practical advice and pretty ideas.

There are a few others that are part of my nasty wedding blog habit, but these are my faves.

Reflections on how I spend my time (reflections with too much time off sick)

Fortunately, Luke has been off or not working at the times I have been home sick most of this week, so he's been around to keep me company and allow for a moderate level of my whining and attention seeking. I've got some bad sinus infection/cold thing that has also been accompanied by lovely intermittent bouts of nausea. But, while he's at work, I once again allowed myself to be magnetized to the computer, searching various wedding ideas and engaging in useless activities such as facebook fishing games. I did come across a great website in my wed idea search however. I love the woman who writes, I believe, most of the entries and have enjoyed reading her thoughts and suggestions not only on the wedding hoopla, but also on other policital, social and environmental matters.

I especially like the worst wedding advice she shares as she comes across, and her list of what is actually important. I concur with all of them. While I am very excited about our big wedding and the lovely location it will be at, I've reminded myself in all this sick reflection that we still have 8-9 months until that day. Although, we've joked today that if we went ahead and got married down at the county clerk's office, we could get Luke health benefits. I am most excited now about how we will write our ceremony so that it is personal to us. I know it will be beautiful and elaborate, in many traditional ways, but it will also be ours and very untraditional in that we plan to ensure we express ourselves and who we are, as opposed to what is expected. Now that all the major venue and vendor needs are settled, I can pull myself back (really, I can!) and enjoy the daily happiness I have in our home together. Or, until my mom arrives in January for dress shopping. . .

In the meantime, I intend to refocus my free time. I may be looking for a part time job to supplement our tight income, but for now I need to regain focus on studying and passing the LCSW exam once and for all, as well as contributing something more than what I do outside my job. I know it's post the big vote, but I don't think it is ever too little too late to become involved in politics, so I have signed up with some of the local politicians I support to start engaging more in the process. I also am seeking out environmental organizations that I can offer volunteer support to. I need to do something a little different from what I do at the schools each day, but also feel like I could and should be doing more than what I do with my kids Monday through Friday. Now, if I could just afford to take the LCSW exam . . . that is really the next step. I guess that's where the second job comes in.