the calm before the storm
November 7th, 2006 @ 1:27 am | wedding | Post a CommentWhen Andrew and I planned our wedding for five days post-election day, I’m not really sure what we were thinking. You see, Andrew works in national electoral politics. There’s a distinct chance that, depending on the outcome tomorrow, our wedding will rank only second on the scale of amazing and successful events this month.
I’m thankful that he was never shipped out to North Dakota, Tennessee, or any other location beyond Arlington, Virginia to work directly for candidates, as was threatened more than once. It’s been nice having him here to finish up the wedding details.
But tomorrow, we start moving in fast forward mode, and I have a feeling it’s all going to start flying by. No doubt we’ll be up late watching the election returns come in (hopefully at this party). Then we’ve got to pack, finish writing our ceremony, take care of 14 bazillion tiny details, and catch an 8 AM Thursday morning international flight. Once we touch down in Mexico, we’ve got 48 hours to host three events. I’m afraid I’ll blink and it will already be over.
I’ve tried my hardest to avoid unnecessary stress. I’m so glad I took this week off of work. I didn’t even leave my house or my pajamas today. Tomorrow I’m treating myself to a spa day. I’ve made enough lists and spreadsheets to make Martha Stewart’s personal assistant proud (god bless that poor woman, whoever she is).
But some things I just can’t suppress. I called my mom at least ten times today, just to ask stupid questions and go over things we’ve already gone over. Last night, I went from being giddy and playful to crying in ten short minutes, for absolutely no damn reason. The Crazee is lurking around the corner.
Or maybe it’s just the overexcited, anxious bride who has been planning this day for her whole life, or at least one full year now. Either way, it’s a long time coming and tomorrow I think it’s really going to start happening. Fast.
Wish me luck squeezing in one last night of peaceful slumber.
Oh, and go vote!
Dear, dear, Sweet Bride-to-be:
Regardless of the a) the time you had to plan b) the number of events you plan to host, the day(s) WILL fly by so quickly that you will have only a few amber-encased memories to treasure; the rest will be dependant on your (hopefully excellent) photographer/videographer.
Embrace the Crazee; but have the Zen enough to just let. things. happen. once you actually arrive in Mexico. Ok? Promise? I tell all my brides that the last two weeks happen in warp speed. It is ok.
Take care and all my best wishes!
Maya
written by Meepers
November 7th, 2006 @ 2:38 am
Good luck, hon.
No stressing (ha!) and just enjoy it. Boarding that plane is going to be SO amazing. Even I get insane just thinking about it!
Just keep on truckin’ through all the crazy bits, keep your head on the right way and everything will be fine.
*big hugs*
xo
written by alyndabear
November 7th, 2006 @ 2:57 am
Janet–You are going to have a great time and everything is going to turn out fine. Once you get on that plane you just have to let go of the stress, relax and just enjoy every moment! Just know that I will be back here DYING to see pictures of the wedding!!!! It’s going to be KILLING ME!!!!!
Have a great day today!
written by Lindsey
November 7th, 2006 @ 6:46 am
I know exactly what you’re going through and can tell you, from personal experience, that you will be Fine. I had the week before the wedding off too and would have these moments when I thought I was going insane…I literally started crying about a freaking sweater set (who am i???), but I actually felt better once family started showing up and all the events were in motion. Then you don’t have a chance to think about the fact that you’re going nuts!
written by Sarah
November 7th, 2006 @ 7:57 am
I have my fingers crossed (for the election; I’m sure your wedding will go off without a hitch!) Good luck! Try not to stress out too much - if all else fails, focus on the margaritas.
written by sandra
November 7th, 2006 @ 9:54 am
Good Luck! I’ve been reading your blog for a while and I really love it! I hope you have a great time in Mexico…I’m very jealous! Everything will turn out fine, and just remember to take a couple seconds and just look around and take everything in. I remembered to do this at my wedding and it was really nice to just stand there, and look at everyone having a great time, and to look at my husband and realize it was real! We were really married!
written by Debbie
November 7th, 2006 @ 10:08 am
Best of luck! I agree with the other commenters above — once the Big Day finally arrives, just sit back and enjoy it. Soak in as much as you can without letting the little details get to you. You’ll be so happy to be getting married that nothing else will really matter, trust me.
Also — be sure to drink enough water on your wedding day. Heavy wedding dress + hot sun + possible existing dehydration due to margaritas + all the excitement of the day = one easily-dehydrated bride. (I speak from experience — I almost passed out during my post-ceremony pictures; then I drank a big glass of water and felt 100% better.)
written by Audrey
November 7th, 2006 @ 11:00 am
I think it’s inevitable to have nerves at this point in the game, so I think what you’re going through is perfectly normal. For what it’s worth, before my wedding, I was going to be happy if my husband and I were married at the end of the day, no one fell over (it was a 90-degree day), and no one got sick. Call them low expectations, but I wasn’t disappointed. It was a great day despite some momentary stressful times. Being a Zen bride definitely helped. In the end, you’ll have a brand-new hubby to enjoy, right?
Good luck! Congratulations!
written by RA
November 7th, 2006 @ 11:08 am
It’s nervous energy and it’s perfectly, perfectly normal. Try to sleep, do only the necessary little details (get you and Andrew to Mexico and get married) and all will be well. And for the poster who said to drink a lot of water, listen to her! Start hydrating now!
The trick to all of this is that once you’re there, you can enjoy. The little stuff won’t matter anymore. You’ll have days of fun in the sun with family and friends and you’ll be married! MARRIED! Yay! It’s all going to work out and be wonderful, keep reminding yourself of that. Also, keep an hourly countdown to wearing the bling!
written by Nic
November 7th, 2006 @ 11:28 am
And have no fear, I’m voting today. In PA. Against freaking Santorum.
written by Nic
November 7th, 2006 @ 11:33 am
This is so freaking exciting. I can’t believe your wedding is almost here - and I only know you from afar! I can’t imagine how much fun it will be!
written by kris
November 7th, 2006 @ 11:49 am
AS called me this morning and told me that he didn’t vote for Hillary (even though she’s in no danger of losing). We almost broke up for a moment.
I am sure that EVEN if the democrats win back both houses of Congress, Rumsfeld resigns AND Cheney falls off a cliff this week, that your wedding will STILL be the highlight of Andrew’s week!
written by Laurel
November 7th, 2006 @ 12:12 pm
I am with Meepers/Maya. You are going to have so much fun (both tonight AND at the wedding)!
written by -R-
November 7th, 2006 @ 4:47 pm