We've registered

The list isn't long, but we've registered at http://www.myregistry.com/visitors/giftlist.aspx?sid=b7c46457-7a9a-4415-9fea-03ae9305f804

Thought for the day

Not that there was ever any doubt...but I know I'm marrying the best possible woman I will ever find on this planet.  Period.  And that makes me very happy.

Day Trip

Forgot to take a camera, but Olivia and I took a trip to Serenbe yesterday, just so she could see the place. It was ridiculously hot.

We walked past the Main House, by the Pool House, and scoped out a treehouse. She climbed up and went down the slide, then we rambled over to the animals. There were pigs, a llama, chickens, goats and sheep. Olivia was roughed up by a goat once, and is not fond of them. We stopped to pet a donkey over the fence, and were headed out a hitched gate to the lake when a baby goat appeared out of nowhere.

I pushed him, and locked the gate, as he was trying to get out. He then slid under the gate and Olivia screamed. I picked up the goat and placed him over a (supposed) electric fence. We headed on, and hear the little goat again...he's out, again. Olivia wasn't liking it a bit. We hiked up to the area where the ceremony will take place and sat for a bit. When we were returning around the lake, Olivia was all eyes trying to spot the goat.

We stopped by a recessed trampoline and jumped for a bit before heading back to the car. We drove in to the small town of Serenbe, and had cookies and soft drinks at the Blue-Eyed Daisy restaurant, then walked to Home-Bilt and bought Olivia a stuffed animal and a necklace for Chandra. Not the most exciting Sunday, but it was nice to introduce Olivia to the place.

Invitations mailed

Did you ever do something, then got a queasy feeling in your stomach that you shouldn't have?

We mailed the invitations yesterday.  I went to the extra step of taking one to the post office a couple of weeks ago to see what the postage would be.  The woman weighed it and measured it and said $1.05.  So, I bought a bunch of $1.00 stamps and a bunch of $.05 stamps.  We thought a return address looked kind of tacky on the front of the invitation, so we omitted it....Now, I just hope the lady at the counter was right! 

We're nervously awaiting a call from someone local telling us that they received their invitation safely.

In other news:  Since we'll be living in Chandra's house, we've been working on getting my house ready to put on the market to rent.  It is a task that I loathe more than just about anything in the world.  If someone offered me $10,000 less than what I paid for it 2 1/2 years ago, I'd take it, no questions asked, but in this economy I'm gonna do the prudent thing and rent it now and see where the market goes in the future.  

Another thing I loathe is yard sales, but I've got to do it.  I thought I might be able to pull it off this Saturday, but we'll wait a couple of weeks and do it then.  I think I'll fill a bucket and offer a cerveza with all purchases.  If no one's buying, I'll just get drunk in my front yard.  Seems like a win-win.

Is it freakin' August already???

Apparently, if you don't keep up your blog, some people think you're not worthy of owning a blog. Last time I checked, blog ownership and maintenance was free. And, also, the last time I checked, I live in America, where I have certain rights and freedoms that not only allow me to own a blog, but to neglect it if I see fit.

However, I also have friends and family who have no other life, so they look forward to my musings, rantings, and general nonsense, even if it pertains to our upcoming nuptials. So, here I am on a cloudy Sunday morning, watching HGTV, while the woman who makes my world spin does much more important chores around the house.

Yesterday, Chandra and I finished addressing, stamping, and filling envelopes with our invitations. Jack was a huge help...

We have just about narrowed our honeymoon site to Saint Lucia. We have several positive endorsements from people we know and trust, and it looks like a wonderful place to start our lives together. We are booking one way tickets, and will return when we get bored or run out of money.

We've spent a lot of time trying to get my house ready to put up for rent. I really loathe the thought of being a slumlord, but selling the palatial Brookshire estate in this economy just isn't prudent. If anyone in Atlanta knows someone looking for a cool, convenient place to live, definitely let them know about my crib. I'm offering a friends and family discount of $1.00 a month, and a free banana to anyone that refers someone. I know, it's a pretty generous offer, and I was a little apprehensive about it, but Chandra said we can afford it, and "this is how we roll".

Rooming update: There is at least one room still available in the main house at Serenbe. There are also several houses available within the Serenbe community. These all can be reserved by calling the main office. Just tell them you are with the Brookshire/Theodoreu wedding. If you don't, they will tell you that the weekend is booked.

If anyone is going to be in town Friday morning, I am trying to arrange a golf outing at a nearby course. I have at least a couple of extra sets of clubs, and I'm sure we can rent some. I was thinking of just a casual Scramble format, so as not to put any pressure on anyone. We can get two or three teams together and see where it goes. My future wife is high maintenance, so let's just agree to $5,000 a hole....groom's team gets 3 extra strokes per hole. Seems only fair.

Because Mom said so

My mom says to update the blog...so I guess I'm updating the blog...

Chandra got her dress this past weekend. I'm not saying I've seen her in it, but she's gonna be a beautiful bride! The invitations and all that nonsense arrived as well. I'm going to enjoy a few drinks with umbrellas in them as I watch Chandra address, assemble, stamp, and mail them. Of course, I'll give her emotional support if she gets frustrated.

Jack has apparently recognized that he is now in charge of defending TWO humans. His eight-pound ass has new found enthusiasm as he barks at other people, dogs, cats, squirrels, birds, and particles of dust. He's never exactly been what one would call a quiet dog, but he's definitely found his voice as of late.

The other night I had a dream where Chandra and I were standing in a field getting married. We were up to our ankles in water, but we seemed oblivious as all those around us look annoyed and angry. I think it may just be a precursor to our future together. Jack was in the picture for a minute, but had to run off a small swarm of gnats that were infringing on his territory.

The bridesmaids and groomspeople seem to be ready, we have an officiant, we have some musical entertainment, and most everyone has booked their rooms. We still have no idea where we're going on a honeymoon, what we're eating at the rehearsal dinner, or how many licks it takes to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop. Unfortunately, I realize that that last line will leave my future wife puzzled, as that commercial came out long before she was born.

Serenbe Map

This map is not available on the Serenbe website, but hopefully it allows you to see the property and where the various housing is located. The ceremony will be held at the "Open Air Function Area" and the reception will be at the "Lake Pavilion". If I don't make it through the weekend, I'd like to be cremated and my ashes scattered in the "Vegetable Garden".

Special note to my mom: You can click on the map to enlarge it...you don't have to have a 42" monitor or your bifocals.

Serenbe Rooms

Chandra and I are drinking wine and trying to pick a first dance song. SuperFreak by Rick James is Chandra's favorite. Brickhouse by the Commodores is my leading pick.

Concerning room reservations at Serenbe the weekend of the wedding; Currently, all rooms in the Main House, but #1 & #2 are available. Our immediate families are occupying the Lake House, The Guest House and Magnolia. Dogwood is already reserved. There are also rooms/houses available within the community, and rates and availability can be found on the Serenbe site. It is best to call Serenbe to reserve a room as all the rooms are already booked under our name: Brookshire/Theodoreu wedding.

Chandra went and looked at wedding dresses today. She can't really find one she likes, so this ceremony may be a "clothing optional" affair. We'll keep you updated.

Planning

A lil' update:

Yesterday, I officially became a little overwhelmed. Thank God I'm marrying a chick/broad/dame who is able to keep it together under pressure. We met with the caterers. The good news is that they pretty much take care of everything from seating to flowers to food to decor. The bad news is that our list of things that we need to "consider" is growing, not shrinking.

The caterers are super cool and you could tell they actually listened to us, and are trying to suit the ceremony/reception to our style. Fortunately for us, we agree with pretty much every opinion the other has! Isn't that just ADORABLE??

Being a rabid meateater, Chandra is understandably a little distraught over the passing of Oscar Mayer yesterday at age 95. She is considering having a "Corn Dog" themed reception. Being the kind of guy that wants my future wife to be happy at all costs, I'll support her, but told her she might want to sleep on it over the weekend.

We are totally stumped as to where to register. Any suggestions? E-mail them to us! We are both established adults and need another place setting or food processor like I need a regular hairdresser.

This is a test (for the blog, not the marriage)

Sooooo, in case you didn't know it, I've convinced the most perfect woman in the world to be my wife....You'd think that that would be the hard part. Apparently, we have to actually PLAN the wedding, so that's what this blog is about.

Instead of trying to pack everything into an e-mail, we'll just update this site as information becomes available. This blog is pretty much only going to be read by our families and out-of-town guests to keep them up to date. We may even post some pics along the way or (as I'm known to do) just write something silly or possibly entertaining.

Here's what I know as of right now:
1. Chandra said "yes" (You'll have to ask her why)
2. We are getting married Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 5:00pm
3. Jack (Chandra's dog) approves of me, and, apparently, that's pretty important
4. The ceremony and reception will be held at the Inn at Serenbe: http://www.serenbeinn.com/weddings.html
5. While you're certainly welcome to make other provisions for lodging, staying on the premises is encouraged and definitely worth the experience.
6. By the end of the week we'll update this blog to inform you on how to book rooms. Chandra and I have to work out a few logistics.
7. My average attention span is roughly 2 minutes, and I've far exceeded that. I'll update later.