I Just Can't Stop

So, I have a confession. For the last 2 weeks I just can't stop crying. I don't know what my deal is, but you would literally think that someone had died. In fact, I am wiping HUGE tears away right now as I watch "Oprah Says Goodbye to Nate Berkus." What in the world? I shopped for about 5 hours today, and almost started crying when I couldn't find a dress for the rehearsal dinner. (Don't worry - I did. Disaster averted.) I don't know if it is stress, or just the idea of a huge life change. Don't get me wrong...I cannot wait to get married. Believe me. I have been complaining about NOT being married for the past 3 years! It is just so bizarre knowing that in 9 days, I will be Mrs. Cherbonneau (the 2nd.) All of the planning, the organizing and the little "tiffs" that have occurred since September is coming to an end, and this thing is for real!

I was never one of those girls that paraded around with a pillow case on my head, pretending to be the bride, but planning this party (and of course, the beautiful ceremony ;-)) has been a lot of fun. It has opened my eyes to who my true friends are - the ones that will stand by you when there is a break down about bridesmaids dresses. Let's be honest - you just aren't yourself when you are under this type of stress! I am wondering if Mike wants his ring back...

Tonight I listed off all the things that are wrong with Mike. Why would I do that? Who wants to marry someone that can tick off the things that drive them crazy about them? Poor guy - what is he going to have to deal with when I get pregnant? (And yes, I have broken 3 bows. Mike actually broke one on "accident" the other day, and then informed me that that would be the child I would take care of on my own.)

All I can say is that words truly cannot describe how excited I am to marry Mike. Regardless of the tears, he is THE person that I know I can turn to with anything - worries, laughs, and a dirty house. I am thrilled to have all of those that we love together in one place to celebrate with us and I am ecstatic to board a plane on June 6th and head to Aruba. I am pretty sure the next few weeks are going to be crazy, so I will leave you promising to post TONS of pictures when we get back. I wonder if there are any sad movies on tv....?

Too Much Noise!

I just filed a noise complaint. I know, I have turned into that annoying person who calls during your parties in high school and everyone has to flee the premises before the cops actually arrive. However, I feel as though I was very legitimate in my call. First of all, it is 11:30 at night!! Yes, it may be Friday, but it is super annoying to be watching old DVR'd Oprahs when there is music blaring across the street from you!

Now, this is not the first time this has happened, I have just never been the caller. (I promise we live in a safe neighborhood!) Anyway, the condos we live in are across from the pizza joint, and a store called "i am." I haven't figured out exactly what the hours of operation for the store are because there are always people in it. There is also a parking lot next to our condo where people who work at the pizza joint park. I know from previous conversations that this is where my ex-co workers used to sit in their cars, listen to music and get high. Mike made a complaint around 5:00 one evening about a car blaring their music in the parking lot. Turns out, it was my favorite dish washer (we watch out the window) but he shouldn't have been playing his music so loud! Plus, he denied it was his when the cops got there. Serves him right.

Tonight, I noticed that music was playing across the street incredibly loud for at least 30 minutes. (Ok, maybe 15, but still a long time.) I began to think maybe I should call the police, but who do you call? Do you call 911? Mike, of course, was at school, so I called him for instructions. After refusing to call for me, he told me to call 911 and issue a noise complaint. I was nervous that I was taking away from someone else's actual emergency, but I called and the operator took a lot of information from me. Then I perched myself over the back of our chair to see what would happen.

Let me tell you, if I had been shot, I would not have been happy with the response time of these police officers. However, since that was not the case, I will give them the 5 minutes it took them to get there. Of course, right after I called, the music was turned off. I felt stupid, but no one has my name, and let's hope it stays that way. When the cops pulled up, I watched as multiple people left the store in a hurry and several people came to speak with the officers. Then I started to worry. "What if they shoot the policeman?" "Do I go down and try to help?" "I am already in my pajamas!" Luckily, right about the time I decided to be a coward and call for help if something went awry, another officer pulled up. They were there forever talking to the people in charge, and I started to feel nervous when the cop pointed at our condo and then to the store. I also felt stupid for not having turned out the lights and peering through the blinds with popcorn. (Ok, no popcorn, but all the other stuff is true!)

I did leave for just a second, and when I came back, the officers were gone. However, I think the after party is back. I just heard some girls yelling outside....where is my phone?

Fun Times In Birmingham

Well, Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers and mothers to be. We celebrated last week because I was still in Birmingham and my Grandma was visiting. We had a great time, got a cake and grilled out. I have to tell you, my Grandma was so much fun while she was visiting for our shower. This lady is 78 years old and has still got it. She still has her smart, sarcastic wit, but is truly one of the most caring people I have ever met. I have enjoyed getting to know her as an adult, rather than my "grandma" and have learned so much from her, particular since I have gotten engaged.

My mom, grandma, and youngest sister left early last Saturday for my shower in Atlanta. Y'all, this shower was beautiful One of my bridesmaids came down from Columbia, SC just to attend, as well as multiple other people who generously gave up their time on a Saturday afternoon. (I can't lie - I would have come just for the food :-) It was great to get re-acquainted with Mike's parent's friends, and things will be a little less foreign for me when the wedding rolls around in 26 days!! I am so excited and honored to have so many people who care for Michael and me and are willing to come visit with us.

We left the shower with several huge bags of homemade cookies (one which was meant for Mike but never quite made its way back to St. Louis. He wasn't happy) and headed back to Birmingham. I stayed for a few days after, while we celebrated Mother's Day and then went to look at wedding bands!! When I say "we" I do mean, me and Grandma. We actually took a little road trip to a jeweler a few hours away. When Grandma heard that I was driving there, she volunteered her time and person because she "Just couldn't imagine me driving all that way by myself." We were able to get some good quality talking time in and found the perfect band. We are still working on Mike's. The one I chose for him is apparently "too girly." I don't know what we are going to do with him.

Yesterday one of my bridesmaids and great friends up here threw me a shower at her house. It was so nice, and since I only have a handful of friends up here, it was very casual and easy. The girls that I have met through running came, as well as one more who I met through my BAR courses. We had a great time chatting and enjoying each others' company. I have pictures, but I am too lazy to get them on the computer. I know, it would make this blog much more interesting. Sorry.

Finally, the job. I LOVE IT. Now, I am not aspiring to be a waitress for the rest of my life, but I am very happy with the place I am working, as well as the girls that I am working with . I can't lie - it is more of a bar than a restaurant, but they do have good food and I can wear jeans and a polo. There seem to be some regulars who come in, and I have been told that this is where I will really make my tips. I sort of feel like I work at Hooters, just a little, but I am trying to get over it and just try to make some money. Man was law school a great investment!!

Ok, I am headed for bed. Mike got back from his Bachelor Party in New Orleans today and is already snoring away. I don't think he has slept in 48 hours. My sisters and I are going to NOLA next weekend for my "bachelorette party." All my girls are spread around the country, so a sisters trip ended up being the best option. I am really excited about it and can't wait to get back down south.

Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend and Mother's Day!! Will hopefully update sooner than later!