Only 1 month to go!

Boy has time flown by. It's been forever since I've blogged, but things have been running like a freight train. Here I am only a month away from the wedding, and I am anxiously awaiting a time when I can officially not plan something for awhile! Things have gone pretty smoothly with just a few bumps along the way. We did have trouble with our first, second, and several subsequent choices for an accompanist. All of them cannot do it, so we're scrambling a bit with that. I've also been a bit stressed about my dress. See, I've been working really hard over the last few months to get myself healthier and in better shape (funny how a wedding and working with several morbidly obese people in the hospital can do that). Now my dress doesn't exactly fit--even after an alteration--so I'm a bit worried that it won't turn out just like I thought it would. Plus, then there's the worry that the dress will not fit down the aisle (Sarah + dress + Dad > aisle space). I'm sure everything will work out. What's the worse that can happen? The caterer bails and we order pizza for all. . .the DJ fails and we break out my ipod with my new "I love the 90's" mix. In all seriousness, I'm really looking forward to the wedding, it's the waiting that's a pain!

It's funny the reactions I get from people when they find out I'm getting married.

Reaction #1--everyone's excited and talks about it all the time. This gets a bit annoying since although the wedding is exciting and important, my life does include a few other things like work, friends, etc. I know, though, that everyone is just excited so this elicts more just a little annoying twinge with me. It has been kind of hard for me to grasp, this whole wedding/marriage thing. See along the way in my life so far, all the things that people have celebrated with me or congratulated me on have been achievements that I've worked for (i.e. high school, college, PT school, getting a job, track). Now, don't misunderstand, I know that my relationship with Paul is something that we've had to work for, but it's just different. Almost like an event in my life rather than an accomplishment. It's even hard for me to put into words because I don't want to marginalize marriage or my relationship with Raoul. I love him dearly and am excited to start our life together. Maybe it's been because we've been together for so long that this just seems like the right time to move forward with our relationship. So, it's weird to receive congratulations. I almost view it as a chance for all those who are coming to share in this time with us rather than standing back away and just sending their congrats.

Reaction #2--This one comes from the bitter divorced people that I have come into contact with. Now, again, not to marginalize the pain that a divorce brings but I really wish these people would keep this attitude to themselves. I can't tell you how many times that I've been asked if I really want to do this and if I've planned in case things don't work out. Enough already. If I didn't want to marry Raoul, I wouldn't have accepted his proposal. I happen to believe in relationships that can last until the day one of us leaves this Earth, and I am not idealistic--just ask all the patients I work with who have been married for 40-50-60 years. I am a realist, things aren't going to be rosy always, but I think Raoul and I already know and have experienced that. But, it can be done, and I wish those who are cynics wouldn't see it as their duty to enlighten the rest of us.

Overall, I'm looking forward to the time I get to spend with friends and family before the wedding and the reception/party afterwards. I admit that I am nervous about the ceremony itself. I'm just not one of those people who like to stand up in front of people and be watched. So, I figure if I can get through that everything will be fine. Then, Raoul and I will get a whole week to relax, spend some time together that doesn't involve wedding planning, and enjoy getting paid to not work. Then it's back to Washington, where we're planning on having our reception in July. My parents are planning on making it, and Raoul's might too. It will be a really relaxing time to just hang out and enjoy a fun time with friends. Then it won't be long before we get to do it again for my sister! We'll keep you posted as things come along and get pictures up when we can. Looking forward to seeing those of you who can make it!