MIL

The title of the post "MIL" stands for mother-in-law. I have one now, as everyone knows, and I must say, having 2 families is harder than just one. My MIL, Patricia, just had a triple bypass and a valve replacement in the city so several members of APs family have been staying with us and going to hospital, driving back and forth, taking care of things, so the past week or so has been a super-busy whirlwind. She's okay, but now she starts the long rehabilitation process. Both AP and I have been going a little crazy over the past week, so it's about time for some much needed R & R. Last night, we were finally able to have some "alone time," and actually spend time together without sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, or roommates. It was nice. And I was actually able to go to bed at a decent hour for the first time in a week. (I'm old now, I go to bed early.) So AP is going camping this weekend and I am relaxing at home. Part of being together is spending time apart, so that's what we're doing this weekend. I'll probably sleep late, have lunch with a friend, maybe catch a movie. As much as I love and cherish AP, I was single for a long, long, long time before we got together. Sometimes, you have to do stuff with regular friends, or even by yourself. It's time for some "me time."

AP, however, thinks that every time I want to spend time by myself, it means I don't want to be with her anymore, which is totally not true. I am really independent, always have been. I am one of those ladies who can take herself out for coffee, or dinner or a movie all alone and be happy as a clam. I can shop by myself too. It doesn't mean I don't love her, it means I need a break from the inundation of family and hospitals and general disruption of my routine. (Again, I'm old, I don't like my routine interrupted.) We, however, have such a great relationship that we can talk about these things and she understands my need to do things alone. I love her. She's awesome.

Why People Marry...

Based on the information I've been getting over the last 24 years of my life as far as what marriage and partnership is really about, I have come to a few conclusions: People plan weddings pretty much for the ability to register at cool places and get cool stuff. Yes, the lifelong partnership of someone who loves you and is made to be with you is nice, but the presents are simply awesome. Over the last few weeks, AP and I have been slowly acquiring the gifts that I painstakingly registered us for at Crate and Barrel and Target. People are so generous. And yes, I wrote all of the thank-you notes over the weekend and gave then to people.

Anyway, I went to C&B over the weekend and used the gift card one of the doctors got for us and we are now the proud owners of a really pretty tablecloth and cloth napkins, several serving dishes, and candle holders. There is tons of other stuff, but I can't list it all here. I am talking about the tablecloth and that stuff because AP and I have decided to host Thanksgiving this year! Once you acquire stuff to serve people with, you just want to entertain all the time. Plus, with the left over bottles of wine and champagne we have from the party, it seems only logical to invite over 6 people or so and have Thanksgiving dinner. I am very excited. There will be 2-layer pumpkin pie. It will be awesome. Mer.

Luau-Licious

As both of my readers know, AP and I had a committment ceremony in June and then we went camping. It was super-fun, but I promised my mom that we'd have a party and everyone would be invited (parents, sisters, friends etc.). Hence the title of this blog. We had our big luau extravaganza on Saturday afternoon in which my parents, older sister, older sister's buddy, and parent's close friends all from Colorado and all of my co-workers/friends came to celebrate our couple-hoody-ness/committment to each other. It was awesome. I even had a tiki punch bowl that cried punch! The decorations were super festive and from what I've heard, everyone had a rockin' good time. My mom knows how to throw a hell of a party and with her help, I think we all did a great job at this one. Apparently her party throwing skills work across states. I am so grateful to my parents for everything they did for me over the weekend and throughout my life. Without their love and support, I don't think I'd be the person I am today. So, mad props to my parentals. WOO HOO!!