An alarming trend: they wed in pairs...

As I flip through my mental card catalogue of weddings to come, I stumbled upon an alarming trend - they're marrying in pairs. As if the wedding worlds aligned- there are some mystical similarities between my brides:

- 2 with husbands (grooms) with the same first name
- 2 with the same shade of required bridesmaid's shoes
- 2 with the same color bridesmaid's dress (yes, I am still buying two)
- 2 with the same first name
- 2 more with grooms with the same first name

Coincidence, or a new attempt by our brides to cause even more confusion...ummmmm?

I have a wedding folder

I have a folder on my gmail account that collects wedding tidbits. When the brides perform their monthly, weekly... sometimes daily email blasts - I read, label and archive. Similar to stop, drop, and roll, it prevents getting burned when the brides quiz you on wedding factoids.

All together now: read, label, archive.

Bridal Shoe Affirmative Action: is this a case of color profiling?

It is a widely known fact that I, in fact, own a lot of shoes. They are the icing to my cake, the cream to my coffee, yada yada yada - I like shoes. I am an equal opportunity shoe freak; I have more of an array of heights and colors than Brad and Ang have kids...what I don't have is what my brides need.

I will be purchasing shoes in the coming months that I am certain my brides conferenced about. Impressively enough, or through the use of a iPhone App, they were able to track the shoes I have worn (similar to counting cards) and select the few colors not represented in my collection. Call it a type of bridal shoe affirmative action - they want their colors worn.

The Big Squeeze

My friend at Starbucks was trying to be nice and gave me a Venti when I order a Grande.

Amanda: Wait, I ordered a Grande.
Starbucks man 1: I made you extra, go head with it.
Amanda: You don't understand, I have to be in a bridesmaid's dress in a month (yes, I said that aloud).
Starbucks man 1: Well, then don't drink it all
Amanda: But, I WILL - can I get a smaller cup?
(I leave after I realize I am arguing - I am literally rejecting free things due to wedding commitments).
Starbucks girl 1: (mutters on my way out) Ok, that has to be a first.

A Welcome of Sorts

So it begins...

A co-worker/friend/inspiration guru observed me adding up all the costs associated with my spring to summer to early fall wedding schedule; this blog was her suggestion for an outlet. An outlet to share stories with others who may be experiencing the same emotions associated with an overworked and under-performing wallet. I have more black-out dates than an airline and they all are kept in check through a color wheel of card stock one sheeters (invitations) that tell me where to be, what to wear, and which 70 year old woman to call when I: can't be there, don't know what to wear, or need the bra size for my closest friend.

Of course, I could stop all the madness and self-inflicted pain with simple phrases of rejection: "regretfully, I can not", "I am unavailable", "I am washing my hair that day"... but I would never. They are my friends, my gal pals, and no matter how insignificant I am in the scheme of 'their day', I will be there.