I watch too many romantic movies!

Jamie you will get your paperwork soon...it just stinks that you have these plans to give notice and now you can't...I agree with you the only part of the ldr is the love...everything else that goes with it is hard ....

Patty-I have had my fingers crossed for you and Ian...and I am only thinking good thoughts for you two....

Carey comes back already...that was a short trip....but it will be nice to hear how her trip was....

what about you Josy?? Are you ok?

Morning ladies!

Sorry for those of you going back to work today. I don't have to work at school, but I am going in to the running shop later. Blech. At least that's the last time till next Monday because I'm going to VA this weekend to visit my brother, SIL and baby niece. Of course, it's back to the job treadmill for me next Monday. Oh well.. stepping stones to my dream! Enough moaning! lol

Patty- thinking lots of positive thoughts for you and Ian now.... Hopefully work will help keep you distracted today.

Jamie- that sucks about the paperwork!! Such a technicality. Hopefully the stuff your mom sent will be there very soon.... Think of today as a practice run. When are you thinking to do the wedding? April?

Josy- how are you? At work today, right? booooooo work.

Well, I'm sure Carey will be home today or tomorrow. She said she's coming back before New Years, so... And Brittany is in Ireland. Last night all I wanted to do was hop on a plane over to Europe. Likely 5 more months before I can go. Wah.

I think I'm going to go get some breakfast. I'm still in bed now! Laters!
 

Hi Ladies...I am doing good..I am at work right now...boo but at least it keeps me out of trouble...

Listen to Beth telling us she is still in bed...it must be nice to be a lady of leisure lol...just kidding...you deserve it

The sun is out for the first time in what seems like months ...it puts me in a better mood

Patty, I'm thinking good thoughts for you. Hope everything goes well with Ian's spinal tap and you guys can be together soon. Don't worry, the rough patches only make the relationship stronger...

That goes for you too Josy. I hope you get the answers you need soon.

Well, DH left on Saturday (his layover was in Atlanta and I thought of you Beth). I packed an extra suitcase full of my stuff to send back with him and it was WAY to heavy. Would have cost and extra $150 to send, but the agent at the counter was really nice and as a wedding gift he let it slide, which I was very grateful for. I'll have to be more careful when packing my bags - but how will I ever get all of my stuff in?? I'm pretty proud of myself though, I managed to not let myself cry this time, although it wasn't an easy task. Repression isn't exactly healthy, but it gets me through  . I'm just focusing on the fact that at least we're married now and this is the last seperation like this. We didn't get much together for the visa before he left because the thing that will take us the longest is saving up the money we need. I'm in the process of the name change right now, so that will take a while. Hopefully it will only be a couple of months until we have the money and all of our documents in order. I do have a detailed list for what each of us needs to get together so it will keep us busy. Hopefully it will keep me busy enough so I won't have time to think about what I'm doing and get all sad.

I spent the rest of the weekend trying to get back into a normal/productive life. Cleaned up the house a bit (desperately needed), and even went for a run and worked out, which I haven't done in 2 months!! And I'm sore today. Of course then I drank wine and ate muddy buddies to counter it all! Took a long bath (while drinking said wine) and went to bed, but turned on the tv to keep my mind off of the fact that DH was not next to me in bed. And of course The Notebook was on!!! ACK!  :\\\'( Didn't get to sleep until after midnight.

That's the end of my novel for now. Hope you're all having a wonderful Monday!

Jamie (and Alan), don't get too frustrated. Even though your bubble was temporarily burst, as least you have this time TOGETHER. And I would say if that's the only hang up to this point, you are doing pretty good. It could be much worse. Even so, I will keep my fingers crossed for you (figuratively, of course).

*side note: I saw a girl at the Starbucks in the airport on Saturday that had a tattoo on the back of her neck of two fingers crossed and the word "veritas". that's kindof random, isn't it?

your right  now I feel silly:) sorry you had to send him home that is SO not fun...very proud of you for not crying that is freaking amazing!! I could NOT do that

Oh no need to feel silly, silly!! Just want you to be happy. Let us know how things go with getting the wedding set up!

It has taken 4 years of cultivating my repression skills, but I think I have it down now. Every time I started to get sad I would change the subject or go do something to keep myself busy. But mostly I think I owe a lot of the credit to the new security I feel now that we are married. It's a fine line to walk though, I don't want to be so closed off that it causes problems for us. I did almost start crying when I was just speaking to him during my break at work though - he's leaving to go camping with his friends and I won't even be able to speak to him for the next few days. He just left!!! And now I can't even talk to him. so not fair.

Well ladies, I have returned!  On a bit later this evening because my Mom, best friend, and I went so I could try on dresses this evening.  Woo!

Sooo....spoke to Ian on my lunch break.  All went alright today at the hospital.  They did two spinal taps (poor guy) and his cranium pressure is normal.  Then, they did the deeper MRI scan, and the nerves behind his left eye are back to normal, but the ones behind is right are still swollen.  So, it's not neurological whatever is causing the swelling.  They told him that that's how his eye could just naturally be.  So, they poked him about 4 times, made him lay still in an MRI machine, AND they dilated his eyes for another eye exam.  Poor guy went through a lot today.

But I'm glad everyone is doing alright.  And I thanks everyone for the positive thoughts and prayers. You have NO idea how much I appreciate it. The end result is he's o.k. to fly in March...and the doctors even said he probably would've been alright to fly out this past weekend (go flippin' figure!) but they wanted to be safe than sorry.  Bah.

But anywho, so.....I want to show you ladies the two dresses I've boiled my choices down to.  The first dress is the one Ian picked out on the net and I tried it on.  The second one is retro and SOOOOOO me and I love it.  What do you think?





My Mom, best friend, and Dad both like the one Ian picked......but my Mom and best friend think the one that I love is more me and they can tell I'm happier in it.  I have to pick by Friday...lol...and going out tomorrow night to try on more at another shop.  Oye.....who knew finding a dress was so difficult?!

Josy, I'm keepin' my fingers crossed for ya.  *HUGE hugs*

Chi Chi...sorry DH had to go and that he's going camping right away this weekend.  So are you saving up JUST for the visa, or are you saving up beyond that money?  Just curious because I don't know how much I should save up considering Ian and I are going to be paying for a wedding shortly before I file for the visa.

And Jamie, I don't think anything in LDRs is easy....lol.  There are always things to get in the way.  Oh well....the things we do for love, right?

WOW!!! Patty I love them both!! The first one is beautiful on you- so classic! But after the wedding (ie. reception) might be more difficult to move/walk in and be comfortable. The second one is very cute! I think it definitely needs to be taken in, though, because it's too big for you! Remember that it's YOUR day! Do what make YOU happy!!! If you feel more "you" in the second one, I say go for it.

Also, am I seeing the color right on the first photo? Antique? MY SIL got married in a (beautiful) antique dress with lace and stuff (in the woods, no less!) I do have a soft spot for traditional white, though. Have I thoroughly confused you now? LOL

OOOOOOO they are both very beautiful!! But Beth is right hun it's whatever you will feel comfortable in:) Your going to be the one wearing it all day....so you need to be able to move and eat and sit down:)  You look like your sooo happy in them I can't believe how much you glow in that dress! Just wonderful!!!!

I like the antique themed dress idea.  That's why I chose the dress I did:) I will look like a victorian princess in front of the "castle" restaraunt we chose:) Well I hope so anyway.

CKG, I hope you don't mind me commenting, because I haven't contributed to this thread at all. But I LOVE LOVE LOVE the retro dress! Absolutely absolutely brilliant. I wish I had seen something like that when I got married. And it really suits you. Gorgeous!

Hi Darksquid...anyone is welcome on this thread and welcome to  comment on this  and we are glad you are here ....so join in 

Patty you look beautiful in both gowns...but you look so much more happy in the retro dress...it is very different...You have to pick the dress you love...you will know when it is the right one....

I am sorry they poked and prodded Ian so much but I am glad it isn't neurological and that he made it thru all his tests....

Chi Chi I am sorry your husband had to leave and he is going camping....saying goodbye even for a short time is the hardest...

Jamie I can't wait to see a pic of you in your princess dress in front of a castle lol you will be a true princess...

I am doing good so far I can't complain...still didn't hear from the boy but it will get worked out this week....I am sure of it...

Have a great day ladies I will trie to pop on later...I am off to work...

Thank you, thank you, thank you, ladies.   I kept dreaming about those dresses last night.  I have to decide a.s.a.p.  And Beth, if I got the retro dress, I would definitely have it taken in..it was too big on me.  I already have a woman in mind that would do the alterations.

And the color in the first one is champagne.  My Mom happened to pick out the veil that matched it (which, btw....the veil costs more than the dress!).  And if I get the retro dress, I would be getting a shorter veil that's got a silver trim (I even tried on a one that had the HUGE poof on top that they would've worn in the 60s, but it was just too much).  The retro dress feels like a couch or curtains though, buuutttt.....I adore it.

We're getting married on a Monday morning, then going out for brunch.  But whatever I wear to the courthouse I'll be working that following Saturday for our wedding dinner.  We did a dinner on Saturday so that way if friends of mine from out of town want to come in, they can for the weekend, or if people can't make it to the wedding, they can at least celebrate with us (like my co-workers will have to work that day for sure).  I'm sure if I had the first dress hemmed, I'd be a bit more comfortable, because it's a bit long...and I can't wear high heels because Ian isn't much taller than me.

Oohhhh.....I don't know though!  lol

And darksquid, of COURSE I don't mind you commenting. This post is open to everyone!  I appreciate your comments.....and more are welcome, for sure!

Alright, ladies...I need to get a move on here so I can get ready for work.  Those of you having today off, relax and enjoy yourself.  Those of us working, don't work too hard.  And Josy, I'm still thinking of ya!  *hugs*

Catch ya later!

Hello all! Another day at the grindstone!

Patty, I'm so glad Ian is okay!! Both dresses are beautiful in their own ways. The first is very elegant I think, and more traditional for a wedding. The second is more casual and fun (still very pretty) and if that's the one you really love, I think you should go for it. Especially since you're not doing the big drawn out traditional ceremony in the evening, I think it works. I've heard of some people actually getting two dresses - one for the ceremony and one for partying (the reception). Of course you would need to find cheaper dresses if you did that and you might not have that much time. Everything wedding is always overpriced and if you've found a dress you love this soon in the search I'd say you are a lucky girl. Even so, if you want to keep looking for cheaper alternatives, www.target.com, www.nordstrom.com, www.jcrew.com all have wedding sections.

We are saving up for the visa application as well as the savings we need to show that we have in the application. The first month or so we will be staying with his parents so his income should cover our costs that month, but as much as I love them I don't want to be there for too long . So we're aiming to have enough saved for first month's rent and a deposit and start up costs, etc. for the second month. I'm staying optimistic that by the second month I will have found a job (temporary or permanant) and will be bringing in some steady money for the following months to contribute. Still, when you figure rent, deposit, start up costs, etc. with the visa application and plane ticket, and convert the currency... 

Welcome darksquid! No worries, I joined this thread very late in the game and everyone has been very welcoming to me. Tell us about yourself.

Josy... maybe a little shopping is in order??

Jamie - and Alan (whom we haven't heard from in a while) - what have you two been up to lately??... I mean, that's acceptable to talk about on a public forum 

If Brittany and Carey read this, I hope you're doing well!!

How do my posts always turn out so long?!?!

Oh my I feel terrible for Chi Chi having to read through 50+ pages to get caught up.  I just read 5 or so and feel I have missed so much!

I am wondering if I could hire Chi Chi as an LDR therapist.  I am so jealous of how well you seem to be able to manage your emotions!  Your comment about self-preservation is so true, but is dangerous I feel because my self-preservation usually becomes a defense mechanism which makes me want to opt out of the whole thing just to save myself from the pain (not admitting, of course, that that would cause even greater pain). Ugh. I am sure it comes as no surprise that I am in a bit of a state right now, and am doing all I can to not crawl under my desk and sob.  So, I think I will keep some of that to myself for the time being since I do at least have to appear like I am "back at work".

On to business:   
Chi and Squid - welcome to the sappiest thread in UK-Y history. If you were able to read our past posts without throwing up at the cheesiness, you should be commended!  I always loved your countdown Chi, and hope you are doing alright after hubby's departure. No crying = you are truly my hero.

Brittany - Given my current emotional state, your post before you left about your fears made me burst into tears and I sincerely hope you are in the arms of your man at the moment and have forgotten that you were ever concerned about any of that. You get to have a New Years kiss - how awesome is that??

Patty - Thank goodness that Ian is alright and I would be FURIOUS that the docs said that he could have flown over the weekend.  But, I guess they are right - better to be safe than sorry.  On the dress front: Give us an idea of the dinner location... I adore the second dress, and think it could totally work for a courthouse wedding.  Think Jennifer Lopez in The Wedding Planner... I just think for the dinner, you would need the right venue to pull it off. If its a modern restaurant with modern fixtures, that would be perfect!  If the restaurant is that typical "elegance" like dark wood, antique patterns and such, I fear that any photos would look out of place.  (I'm an event planner, this is how my brain works. How sad.)

Jamie and Alan - Your happiness is infectious.  Could you please do me a small favour?  David asked me to keep in touch with you to make sure that Jamie "likes it in England".  I think that is still his big fear, and I do not know how to rid him of that.  I think he needs to hear from someone that the shock to the system isnt really that shocking at all and that an American in England doesnt sit around thinking about how America is better than England. I so wish that he would speak to Alan, but I know he never will - he's too proud to even admit to ME that he could be concerned or needs some support.   I am confused about the wedding paperwork that you need to fill out, but the important question is do we have a date yet???

Beth - Pandora is awesome.  I love it and use it all the time!  Especially today, I am not sure I can bring myself to listen to my London radio station, so Pandora and I are spending time together.

Josy - Big hugs to you.  I am ready to tell Jason to pull his finger out already, no matter how busy he is!  Bless you for being so patient and understanding!

What else have I missed?  I'm sure a lot, but I'll get caught up soon enough... Oh, what are everyone's New Years plans?