Spooky

I had a tough time sleeping last night due to the humidity and the fact we still have our flannel sheets on the bed. While tossing at 2 am, I noticed the room was brighter than usual. I looked into the living room and out three bulb lamp stand had two bulbs on. (It adds another bulb after each rotated click of the knob. Meaning it was twisted twice.) I laid back down and tried to listen. Listen to ruffling or for Keith to turn. When he did turn, I woke him up. "The light is on in the living room." He got up, and did a quick inspection. He even went into the bathroom and pulled back the shower curtain. Nothing. Weird. I know for a fact we turned it off before going to bed. This better not be a ghost.

My Consumer Reports

I sometimes buy into "As seen on TV" stuff. While the item is brand new, I am very skeptical about it. However, as time goes by and the product is offered in the stores, I tend to try it out. Here are some products I have tried recently.

• Smooth Away - The product is a hand held, very soft sandpaper thing that claims to remove unwanted hair while exfoliating. Ok, so it does take the hair away, but it takes forever to get those results. I was scrubbing my leg with this thing for a long time. Legs are really soft afterwards. But the hair grows back at normal speed. It's easier and faster just to shave.
• Aveeno Positively Smooth Shaving Gel - I really love this product. It claims to reduce the amount of shaving needed. I totally agree. I am usually a girl that needs to shave everyday to escape stubble. Not so with this gel. Also, it leaves legs very smooth. I do not always remember to use lotion after shaving and it is ok with this. The price is a bit higher than other brands of shaving gel but it is worth it. P.S. the bottom is also rust proof!
• Leg Magic - Exercise equipment targeting you buns and thighs. The apparatus is in the shape of an upside-down T (the math geek in me calls it a perpendicular sign). Your feet go on these pedals that slide in and out on a curved track. I did not feel any of my muscles working. I watched the DVD with it and it sucked. The sequences included a few reps on the leg magic, then get off and do a traditional squat, get on, get off, do another kind of squat and so on. My legs get more of a work out by doing the normal squats.
• Dyer Balls - These are two blue balls with a bunch of spikes that go into your dryer with your wet clothes. It claims to softer your clothes so that you do not need dryer sheets. I like the smell dryer sheets give clothes so I still you them, but our clothes are fluffier. The towels are really nice.

Missing now found

Keith found the squirel... dead in my snow boot. My nice, designer snow boots. Not my "I still am a kid when it snows and like to play snow boots from Payless." grrrr and still gross. The sunroom still smells.

Stuff you can do with Beards

Keith's beard is now 3 months old. Many people keep asking "Are you going to have it for the wedding?" Of course not; that would not be formal. Truth be told, it doesn't bother me. I actually like it. I grew up with my dad having a beard so it is no big deal. Also, for further note: Keith will NOT be wearing his wedding ring 24/7. He could lose his hand, arm or even life at work if it were to get caught on something. This also does not bother me... my dad doesn't wear his for the same reason. So back to the title... What can you do with a beard?

• fro it out. In girly terms this would be teasing the hair. However now it needs shampoo/conditioner to stay neat & soft.
• use it as a bib. Keith is forever getting stuff on the corners of his mouth. He can't feel it because it is not on the skin. Leading to the next...
• chew the long pieces that are on the corners of your mouth. Imagine trying to bite your own ear. The hair is just closer by.
• put it into dreads... beard dread.
• pet it.
• recite the words "Four score and seven years ago..."
• wear a beard net.
• make the pieces by his side burns curl into ringlets.

And my Favorite...

• Trim it into Wolverine like in the razor commercial

Keith says he will do it before he is ready to shave it all off. I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Guest List Annoyance

As our guests RSVP, I record their attendance in an excel spreadsheet. Yes, I am that organized. And since I am a math teacher, I have many formulas running. Today we had more responses... and there is a trend happening, yet again I fear. Of our 65 guests attending, 12 are for me, the remaining are for Keith. However, the guest list was set up nearly 50/50. I am fearing that my people are not coming (and if your are from out of state, trust me I understand. I talking about the ones who live with in 15 miles). I fear this because it seems like that is what always happens. I have a gathering for both sides, only his side attends. Other gatherings are organized for just my side, it gets cancelled or many do not show. It sucks. How are you to stay a family when the members refuse to see each other. Not to mention, it's a wedding! I guess I'm just tired of trying to be there for others and they are not for me. I know Keith's side favors me so it's not like I'm alone, but it would be nice to be represented.

Big Example: My birthday was this weekend- I spent it with his family. Sure my mom, dad, and brother called (my sister sent a card and texted me and my Aunt Sandie sent a lovely card) but no one else of my side did anything. No one else even tried to make plans. Thanks.

Keith's Car

... is almost dead. It was rejected at the state inspection 2 weeks ago. He had 45 days to fix a big crack in the winshield and the driver's side door to go down. It is either that or buy a new car. It looks like he is getting a F150. First time truck! It is green, which is the primary color of his union. So fitter stickers will coordinate nicely. I have had my own little nickname for the steam fitters, inspired by Grey's Anatomy: McSteamy. When he gets this truck, and adds the stickers, I'm calling it the McSteamy Mobile!

Wedding Updates

• 30% of our guests have responded to attend!
• All the tuxes are ordered
• I have pre-written out addresses on shower thank yous
• The programs are 50% completed. Been working on them during bathroom duty at work.
• Final dress fitting & pick up in few weeks.
• Bridal portraits are scheduled, along with hair and makeup trials. Personal day granted from work.
• Gifts for all the girls are bought/made.
• Wedding day timeline is scheduled.
• Started running, both of us are losing weight & toning up.
• Outfit for shower selected.
• Some shower gifts already arrived.

I'm sure there's more. I do not feel stressed, just ready to go. I swear my organization insanity has been the key. 76 days to go.