Air-Conditioned Vehicles for Colonels are Important

In other news, Tom was instructed that some of the most important vehicles that needed to be fixed were the air-conditioned ones for the higher up officers. Meanwhile, some of the troops basic protection vehicles are in dire need of being fixed. So, Tom being the amazingly wonderful gentleman that he is put his foot down and told the higher ups where to "stick-it." Politely, of course.

He is finding lots of things that were not done properly the first time around, so he is making sure that he does them properly. He is very busy, but I think he is starting to cope and manage the business. I know this because I actually made him laugh and cookie-monster on the phone (the intimate giggle of Mr. Moir). So I know he is ok. "Stressssssssss-d to the max" but I know that he is ok.

Tom has also been drowning his tiredness with coffee, thanks to the Tim Hortons that is on base, so I feel he looks like the picture I posted, as I know what he is like on caffeine. He is more like that picture than one can imagine. I know that once he is back, I will have to treat him to coffee in bed. That is, I will go to Tim Hortons and buy it. I tried to make coffee once. And then I learned my lesson. So Tim Hortons it is.

Or if we are in Ottawa, Bridgehead Coffee is where it's at! It's the organically-produced, shade-grown, fair-trade coffee that attracts crazy types like Tom and I and other Environmentalists and Global Sustainers. Yeah....no more hippies. That's what we are called now-a-days. Our poor kids....they are going to be a messed up brood.

Revenge of the Nerds or Geeks, or both->Neeks

I live with two of the most unfortunate people in the world. Albeit they are intelligent folk, they have progressed socially to the acceptable standard of a 14 year old, and that is pushing it. I enjoy cartoons and the occasional Kindergarten Cop humor. However, I do not enjoy it continuously. I do not enjoy analyzing cartoons to the point of where you think they are real. And I really do not enjoy the snickers about the words "bag" "sack" "hard" or anything else. You may laugh once or twice, but (hahha...butt) it is only acceptable once in a while. Not each time you say it. I also hate how they stay up until 4am playing video games in opposite rooms against each other and then talk about how great their army conquest was. That really irks me because Tom is doing that for real, or is at least in that real environment.

Mr. Thomas Anderson Moir is holding up well in Afghanistan. I have been making sure that he is keeping up his homeopathic methods while over there to prevent the scrumtrulecent EColi from having a party in Tom's digestive tract and lungs. I know I say this every time, but I will be soooooo excited when he is back for a bit in October. I seriously cannot sustain my excitement for that long. I think I may just explode when I see him...*poof*...well, maybe not, but I am sure that's what it will feel like when I see him coming out of the security area.

Other than that, things are ok. I am seriously sick as a dog. I can't kick this latest infection. It's been around for a month now and my body is craving antibiotics. But the problem is that I get them, and then something else goes wrong. Apparently it is a multi-layered infection. Which is something I am sure everyone is excited to hear.

It means that a lot of my systems are in jeopardy at the moment. I have a meeting with my specialist on the 29th in Ottawa. He called me to set it up as he is "extremely worried about me." It's always a good thing to hear I think. So we shall see what that brings....I am going to assume that it will be: more medication, invasive tests and a possible surgery.

The scariest part is that I am really loosing weight. I really don't feel well and it hurts my stomach when I eat, so it is really light and soft foods, which do not fill you up. So, we shall see what the future holds.

For the meantime, I am going home to sit on the dock and relax. I will bring a book, drink lots of non-waterloo water and try to enjoy myself before next Tuesday rolls around.

I'll show you Professional Engineer-ing

I have a meeting tomorrow morning with the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO). This is the governing regulatory body of the Engineers in Ontario. Unlike other provinces, we have two divisions to our Professional association. We have the PEO and the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OSPE) who is the lobbying and action-oriented side of the association. Unlike Alberta that has one entire governing association (APEGGA) we had one that split into the two defined above. So, yeah, we are meeting the regulators tomorrow. These are the people that keep Engineering pure. They are the ones that fine people who are misusing the word Engineer and fine people who are malpracticing. Tough crowd, methinks.

The reason why I have a meeting with the PEO at their HQ is because I was voted as the VP Finance for Engineering Student Societies Council of Ontario, or ESSCO. We are the representatives of all the other Engineering University Councils in Ontario, hence our name. My job is to manage the finances and keep the entire executive accountable. I am kind of excited for this meeting because we can actually give feedback to the PEO directly on what the students in the universities are feeling and thinking about mandates that the PEO has introduced. I have questions related to funding, as well as the feeling of the PEO on ESSCO becoming a "non/not-for profit" organization. So, that should make for an interesting conversation.

As of right now, I am still trying to decide what to wear. Business-casual for a guy is a lot easier than for a girl. So far, I am leaning toward dress pants and a summer 50's style shirt, mixed with open-toed shoes. I painted my nails, so it should be ok. I think I will have my hair up, as it looks more professional.

I am excited because this will be the first thing that I have done since I have been ill. I think it will boost my confidence a bit...or something like that, I hope. Personally, I think it is kind of cool to go and meet these guys. I mean, I am just a student, but they are going to be talking to me like I am an adult. So, it is neat. And I am excited.

RCR in Afghanistan equals No Deaths so far

Wow, I am so glad that Tom is over in Afghanistan with the RCR (Royal Canadian Regiment). There has been a long standing rivalry between the PPCLI (Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry) and the RCR's. Each would brag about who is better and who is more efficient. To the rest of the military folk, we really couldn't care, but we each had our own opinions as to who is better. Tom and I both decided that the 1 & 3 RCR were better units, both from Petawawa. The reason for this preference is because the RCR's bring a lot more maturity and precision to their methods.

This recent post is a response to the mission that went down in Afghanistan in which 10% of the Taliban forces were destroyed. Crazy, and really sad in the same sense because I am sure that these people had families and jobs and feelings and thoughts as well. They are not the monsters we make them out to be, I think. They are just at the other end of the spectrum of this war, and that is all there is too it. It's a sad reality.

Anyhow, back to the PPCLI vs. RCR debate: Edmonton (PPCLI base) is like a training base, constantly "jacking people-up" (<--that is, correcting their faults verbally) whereas Petawawa (RCR base) is the real deal. They expect you to know your stuff and to "get into the game." Tom would be so proud of me for using so much army jargon. Petawawa is the real world, whereas Edmonton is the training world. And that is just how it is.

Needless to say, I am happy that he is ok and that this latest offensive went off without a hitch...or no casualties on the Canadian side. Even though he is over there wth the best of the best, I am still worried. Of course I would be...I think anyone would be.

Regardless of the unit, even though I picked a favorite, I am glad he is over there with a group of such upstanding soldiers. It makes the Tom-is-coming-home count a little less urgent.

Missing Him

Time apart definitely make you realize how much you miss your significant other. I am definitely thinking this right now as I am watching Flight 93. It is the movie that follows the American Airlines flight that was headed for Washington, D.C., and shows the courageous passengers and crew members on board. I didn't really want to watch it because of how I thought it glorified the American citizens and culture while they were bombing Afghanistan and Iraq.

It actually turned out to be really good. There was no heart thumping Americanism in it. I really began to feel the same emotions that the people on board and the families were experiencing. It was a good movie to watch. It humanizes 9-11 instead of Americanizing it. The reason why I missed Tom so much during the movie was because I was getting all emotional and he usually makes me feel a bit better about it.

I guess it is the little things that you notice the most when someone is away. I guess those are the things that mean the most.

The Subjective Beauty of Afghanistan

If you can describe where Tom is as beautiful, be my guest. He sent me pictures of the compound where he is, and beautiful was not the first word that came to mind. I was thinking desolate, dingy, grey from the gravel and dusty, very dusty!! The two pictures show in detail the conditions in which Tom is living. The first picture, shown left, details the work compound in which all of the vehicles that Tom is responsible for. His guys, or troops, also fix vehicles in this location. What I noticed primarily from this picture was the amount of dust that is in the air. Everything seems to be covered by a fine layer of dust. It looks very far away. Definitely another world away.

The second picture that Tom sent to me was of the sunset his first evening at the Kandahar Airfield (KAF). You can see the swirling dust in the picture as the sun is setting. If you click on the pictures, it will open up a larger version, so you can see the detail.

But Tom was right. Even though the situation over there is so dangerous and the living conditions are not what we could imagine over here, he has stepped outside of that world and has found something beautiful. It creates a slightly surreal image that I can only imagine from the picture what it is like.

I don't think there is anything over here that can compare to this type of environment, especially with the sound of rockets and rounds going off in the distance. Conflict is so foreign to people in Canada, it seems as though it doesn't actually exist except in movies, books or on television. I guess this is the one time when we can actually peer into the everyday real lives of the people in Afghanistan that are being aided by this mission.

I guess beauty is subjective. And I agree with Tom, that even though there is a terrible conflict going on and he has restricted himself to the base, which is prison-esque in his mind, there is still beauty around him that he can take a minute or two to enjoy. That's a very happy thought.

No news is good news?

I have not heard from Tom in a couple of days and there has not been anything in the news about Afghanistan. So, I guess that means that no bad news is good news? There has been nothing in the news and nothing on any of the army chat sites, so I am going to assume that everything is hunkey dorey over there.

As long as Tom is ok, then everything is ok with me. I think that is how a lot of us feel that know and love him. It's hard, but he is making a difference. I will just be happy when he is very, very far away from there and is back here. Then I will know for sure that he is safe. On that note, the Tom-is-in-Canada-again count is now down to T-6 weeks and still T-5 months.

And yes, that is Tom doing one of his more flattering faces. See, you would think it is cruel of me to put it up here, but he actually asked me to take it!! It's a very accurate view of his softer, more silly "snuggle-bear" side. "Snuggle-bear" is also a technical term used to describe his snuggle style: he's a lot larger than I am, so his body can envelop mine and make me feel safe. It's very nice. And yet another reason why I am the luckiest girl in the world.

Pugs, pugs and more PUGS!

Tom and I want to get a dog, or dogs...eventually, after we get married. At first, we really wanted to get Weimaraners. The problem with them is that I might get too sick to be able to take care of them. After researching breeds a bit and talking to some other people that have Crohn's, it seems as though the PUG is the resounding choice for a dog.

I think that they are really cute, and Tom has decided that they are soooooo incredibly ugly that they are cute. They might be a more sensible pet, especially if Tom and I start off in a small house with a small yard. In that situation, it would be unfair to have a larger dog.

The best part of having a small dog is that all of the dog clothes are cheaper (like the t-shirts, jackets, and booties) and it will be easier to paint their toenails. After telling Tom this, he seemed less enthusiastic about a small dog, for some reason!! I can't wait to start buying them Halloween costumes, like the hot dogs in the picture!! Most likely, they will be turned into little people, like all dogs seem to become.

It is a long way off for us, as Tom and I will have to get settled with everything in the future before getting a dog, but it is still fun to think about. I can't wait to see Tom walking a dog that is wearing a sweater and booties. Maybe that is why I want a little dog more....for the comedic situation that could stem from Tom and the dog!

Sneaky Bugger

I got a surprise this morning. Tom emailed me and told me to look in the glove compartment of my car. I had been talking to him about what to send over to him in a care box, so I assumed that it would be something pertaining to this. To my surprise, he had hid a card in there. The cute puppy card shown here was what I found in the glove box!

"Sneaky bugger" was the only ting I could muster when I looked at the card. As you can see, it has dogs on it, which are my favorite animal. It was a nice treat and I giggled because he stole my idea. I wanted to do this with his kit that was sent over to Afghanistan, but by the time I was able to visit him in Petawawa, his bags were already gone. So, it was the best treat I have had so far. I definitely have to make it up to him!!!

On a different topic, I have been speaking to Tom over email for the past day and a half, as he has been fairly busy. He liked the blogspot that I have set up as it allows people to keep up-dated on what is going on over in the " 'stan."

He had one thing to say about the picture that I posted with the Tim Horton's trailer: "I would also like to point out the Americans who are in the photo of Tim's. There are always TONS of Americans waiting to get coffee and doughnuts there, so hopefully Tims will extend its strangle-hold on coffee addicted people south of the border!" Hopefully the American army will be as coffee-addicted as the Canadian one.

He is doing well. He keeps bringing up the dust in Afghanistan and how it makes the sun separate into beams when it descends to the ground. He is going to try to get pictures so we can all experience the "God Light," as he calls it.

And we still have a count down going on. We are at T-7 weeks before Tom is home for a break, and T-5 months before he is home for good. It seems a lot closer than if you count days. Well, let the countdown begin!!

Pre-6 Month Tour Engagement Dinner

It seems as though it was ages ago, but the last time I got to have dinner with Tom was when we had an informal engagement dinner between his parents and mine. It was a really nice evening, full of wonderful conversation and delicious food. We went to Saffron Bistro in Pembroke, Ontario. The restaurant is fairly new to the town and is definitely worth going to, if you have the time.

We got our waitress to take a picture of the "too excited" family. It was the first time we were all together since Tom and I had announced that we were engaged. It was a really nice evening to spend with our new family and I know that Tom and I couldn't stop talking about how special the evening was.

The ambiance was highlighted with music by James Blunt and Portishead that was playing in the background while we were eating. I think that the best dish of the evening was a mushroom bruschetta that was, to steal my own words, "to die for." It was nice to spend quality time with everyone before Tom left for Afghanistan.

It was a nice way to say "see you soon" to Tom. It was definitely an emotional dinner and an emotional send off. But I think it was one of the best ways for all of us to show our support for him. You know we all miss you Tom and can't wait to see you in October.

Thinking of you ;o)

Luxuries of the Kandahar Airfield

Every day I take for granted the fact that I can get in my car, walk, or bike to my nearest Tim Horton's. Granted, it is no Starbucks or Second Cup, but it is still something that is comforting and is a synonymous Canadian symbol. Sometimes, without a Tim Horton's in my system, a crankiness awakens that fellow coffee addicts can feel sympathy towards. So what happens when you are a coffee addict, grouchy from no sleep and are living in the middle of a desert valley? Ask Tom this one, and he will answer: "I get myself a Tim Horton's!"

That's right. Our very own Timmies is ready for consumption in Afghanistan. Is there anything more Canadian than being in 40C heat (or more) and desiring the sweet nectar of an old hockey legend's coffee chain? This is the little bit of home that Tom and the rest of the soldiers in Afghanistan can look forward too.

What says home more than a double-double served with a doughnut!! Personally, I think it is great that they have this for the soldiers over there. It gives them a break, even if momentarily, from the air of hostility that seems to dwell around the Airfield. Another exciting addition to the normal military palette is the delicious looking trailer that contains Burger King!!!!

Nothing says "mmmmm-mmmm dead cow," like the Burger King trailer. No, actually, that is my own personal bias and vendetta against the Beef industry. I am sure that it must taste like heaven compared to some of the food that could potentially be served in the military mess.

Of course, Tom is an officer, but I am not sure if they are all eating together, or if the messes are separated. Sometimes they separate the "ranked" men from the officers, which results, in my opinion, better food for the officers. I think I will have to wait for an update form Tom on that one.

The good news is that Tom is ok. He is working hard, doing a great job, and is taking care of his troops and himself. The bad news is that the airborne E.coli has finally taken a toll on his system. Not only is the air filled with dust, but it is also contaminated with aerosol E.coli. As one could imagine, this can do a number on your body systems. However, he is overall healthy and is looking forward to coming back to Canada in October.

I am also looking forward to this "vacation" as well. It will be nice to make sure he is ok. For some reason, it seems that you can only really be sure that someone is ok when you see them in person and get to give them a huge hug.

Afghanistan Update

One of my fiance's friends sent these pictures out of Afghanistan. It is of the journey from Kandahar Airfield (KAF) to the FOB (forward operating base) Martello. It seems as though it is a beautiful and mysterious place.

This shot is of the road that travels to the FOB. I think this picture is remarkably beautiful and foreign. The next photo shows the continuation of the journey down the road. Most describe the experience as if you were out driving on the moon.

The road that they travel on is frequently marked for attacks and they have stopped in this picture to scout the situation. The rear vehicle is protecting the others in the caravan.

Each person is out of their vehicle in case there is an attack. There is no room for taking chances over in Afghanistan anymore and each person has to be on the lookout. It's a scary reality of life over there.

Martello looked as though it was a base camp on the moon. The one complaint that Tom keeps telling me about is that there is so much dust. At times, you can't even see the colour of the sky because of all of the brown in the air. You can see the dust in this picture.

Construction of the FOB was underway at this point. This was taken a while ago and I believe that the FOB is almost operational by now, or at least it should be. From here, they can build schools for the local people, as well as shelters and accommodations. They will also treat the locals from inside the camp if they are ill or need medical attention.


This is also where some of the soldiers leave from to conduct their patrols of the Kandahar province and to meet with the elders of the tribes within the area. I don't think they get enough credit. My fiance's friend said that the temperature was almost 40C at the time of the pictures. I couldn't imagine trying to pack in a 15+hr day in that heat.

I have tremendous respect for each person that is over in Afghanistan at the moment because we can't even fathom how hard and terrifying it is over there at the moment. All I know is that I will be extremely happy the day Tom comes home to me.

Living on Round Lake

My Parents live on a lake. It's probably the best thing ever!! Perma skiing and swimming...lying on the dock relaxin or in the water in a tube!! Best ever. Here's a pic of me at my house...I am just relaxing and feeding our pet ducks.

The family is a mom and 12 babies!!! They are soooo cute. They cheep when they hear us coming with food. I will be at home in 4 days.....:o)

Can't wait to get out of Waterpoo! Boooooo, I hate it here so much. Not enough room to relax.

The Food Plan pour MOI

In order for me to be healthy and not feel like crap, I have had to change the way I eat.

I now follow a strict vitamin supplement schedule:
Morning-Zinc, Vitamin D & A, Calcium & Magnesium, Cranberry Concentrate
Morning Drink-Orange juice, pomegranate, green energy drink, Omega 3-6-9 and one shot of Aloe juice.
Evening-Calcium & Magnesium, Cranberry Concentrate, B100 complex and "live" bacteriums.

No more Beef, pork, processed food, white flour, or "non-organic" items. That is, my food bill is atrocious because I will buy organic maple syrup. Sheeeeesh!!!!It is making me feel better. If you want more info on how to make YOU feel better, even if you are not sick, then I would suggest looking into the book You: The owner's manual. I mean, who really wants to have cancer when you are approaching 50? This is where I learnt a lot about what I should and should not be eating.

Crohn's strikes again!!!

Good old Crohn's! Where would I be without you??? Not only have I been sick for a month with recurrent Crohn's symptoms, but I also have been treated for these symptoms multiple times. It is getting to the point where I might just scream and not stop. The little man symbol is that used for the Crohn's & Collitus Foundation of Canada.

The most frustrating part of Crohn's is the pain that I am in constantly. I mean, I can drain a Tylenol Xtra strength bottle in 2 months flat! And this last month has been hell on earth for me. The best way to describe the pain is to imagine if you had painful arthritis, or you had a swollen ankle, or some joint...and then apply that swelling and rigidity to your intestines. Yeah...it hurts a lot....so much so that I times I think I am bordering on insane...

I read this today about the pain, apparently it is supposed to make me feel better: "Dr. Hrnicek noted that patients taking immunosuppressants like infliximab may be rendered about as immunodeficient as a typical AIDS or Cancer patient, and are prone to opportunistic infections like tuberculosis and fungal infections." w00t! Infliximab is the biological agent that I am on and yes, I am fortunate enough to be suffering from general malaise at all times. It's a nice feeling to be compared to an AIDS or Cancer patient. It definitely makes me confident that I can deal with this for the rest of my life.......(lie?).

But what can I do but educate the crap out of everyone so they can understand where I am coming from. Then they can educate the ignorant and so on and so forth.....................the only thing I have to do now is somehow get my faculty at school to realize that this is the degree to which I am ill.

In the meantime, I am going to see my gastroenterologist in Ottawa and see if he can fix me up. Best case scenario for how I feel, a little bit of Cipro and Flagyl and I will be good to go. Worst case scenario, I go back under the knife because I have a fistula that is messing everything up in my bowels. Fun fun FUNNNN!!

Oh what I wouldn't give sometimes to be 20 again before all of this shit hit the fan. Life was simpler back then and I miss it so much. In all honesty, I am so angry sometimes that I have this disease...but that is no way to deal with it. I realize that I have to make the best of my life. So instead of rushing and hurrying and stressing, which I can't do anymore, I smell flowers, take in sunsets, listen to bird's sing and generally appreciate life a whole lot more.

It is amazing what you appreciate when things get taken away from you. I now try not to take anything or anyone for granted. Life is too short and I have to make the most of the time that I have been given because of the Infliximab.

Hall Booking for Wedding

I received an email from the female who can solidify our booking for the wedding. I first have to decide if I actually want to book the Hall for the wedding. I know that others are booked, but I am wondering if this is too soon? I was thinking of having a tentative reservation on that day, but I am not sure of the protocol for removing the reservation if I am unsatisfied with the facility. We are looking into booking the Normandy Officer Mess at CFB Petawawa.

The picture makes it look like absolute ass, but it is *gorgeous* inside!! It has a huge fire place, separate rooms for each function (dinner, dancing and lounge) and it is historically decorated with intricate woodworking and trims. It is really nice, and I think because Tom is a member, we rent it for free....so, holy crap!! There's some awesome savings right there. I think all we will have to pay is the wait staff and the bartenders....oh, and a caterer, but I mean, that's like anywhere from a $2000-$3500 savings.

And, yet again, this whole entire process is making me grow up. It's weird not having Tom here to do this with me, but it is reaffirming that I can do a damn good job of handling these sorts of things all on my lonesome. I do miss him though...

The Reality of Afghanistan

Tom is in Afghanistan right now. He is part of the new 2200 troops that have gone over for a 6 month tour of duty. This week is also the deadliest week in the history of the Afghanistan mission. 7 soldiers have died in 9 days. The unfortunate thing about this statistic is that I could say that they were from the Edmonton contingent. But, not anymore.

MCpl Walsh is the man in the picture and he was on Tom's plane over to Afghanistan. The reality is that he was just starting out like Tom. He had been over there for 5 days and was killed. Him and Tom spoke on the plane over...nothing serious, just polite conversation. So, it makes me shudder because now the reality of this whole thing has really hit home. Someone that Tom knew has died and that makes this whole thing a lot more real than it was before.

All I can think about is the day that he will come home. February looks a lot further away now that there are a consistent string of deaths that are being reported. In my thoughts are all of the families that have lost and all of the families that have loved ones over there. I send my condolences and respect to the family of Mr. Walsh. I can only imagine what they would be going through at this moment.

As for Tom, I know in my heart that he will come home safe to me. I think he realizes, as we all do, that this is not the peacekeeping that Canada was once revered for....this is the real deal and it is scary.

Last Thought of the Day

Here is the handsome honey that I am engaged to. So cute he is!!


In all honesty, he is the nicest, sweetest, and kindest person I have ever met. His integrity and wisdom amazes me and he can make all of the negatives in life melt away with one hug.

I am truly lucky.

Happiness not from Shoes

Gleefully, I am updating my wedsite, yes I said wedsite...for my upcoming wedding. I am making a guest list, updating and adapting a budget, getting gown ideas, reception ideas and setting up the webpage for all to see. I am planning which wedding shows to go to, which halls to look at, and as I am finding out, because of the weekend we have chosen, some of the venues are already booked!!! Sheesh!! And I thought I was starting early....considering we are getting married in 2008!! But on I go, planning away, getting excited about picking out party favours....

Yeah.....I know.....what the hell is wrong with me?????? I used to get this way when I was planning a trip to Guess? or Aritzia. I guess it is just that part of growing up we all will get to in due time. In the meantime, I am deep into two books:
Yeah, thaaaaaat's right, I am now reading Bride books: What no one tells the Bride and Planning a Wedding to remember...how sweet!!! Albeit they are cynical, which makes me happy, and helpful, which is good because I was feeling cheap when I bought them....it is still a surreal existence that I am in. A jamais vu, if you will....that is, everything around me is feeling suddenly strange and foreign.....tres bizarre.

That's the one thing I guess I have to realize: that I am growing up. This shouldn't be taken in a negative context at all!! I think it is for the better. I actually get to be happy for the rest of my life....that's pretty freakin awesome!!

I am just really looking forward to looking forward to something positive. University tends to discolour the world slightly. This is definitely a lot of colour....a mosaic of shades, if you will. And I couldn't be happier.

Reception Hall Booking How-to

Because the date we are planning on getting married on occurs during a long weekend, some of the halls that we want to use for a reception were already booked. I know this because my mother looked into it for me. What the hell??? And I thought I was starting too early for 2008!!

I sent en email with at least 25 questions regarding the rental of the hall. If anyone knows of someone who may need this advice in the future, feel free to copy and use at your leisure:

-What is the deposit required on the Hall?
-Is a security deposit required? If so, how much?
-When is it refunded?
-Is clean up of the facilities included in the rental fee?
-Can we decorate all rooms in the Hall? If so, how early can we
arrive to decorate?
-Which rooms are available for rental?
-What is the maximum number for each room?
-What are the fees associated with this?
-For how many hours?
-Are there overtime charges?
-What is included in the rental (tables, chairs, linens, china and
silver wear?)?
-Is there an additional fee for any of the aforementioned items?
-Can we use our own caterer, or must we use an in-house one?
-Are there restrictions concerning the type of music or the length of
time it may be played?
-Is there a piano or other musical instruments on site?
-Is there a charge to use them?
-Are there regulations on videotaping or photography?
-Are there rooms available for the mother/mother in laws to change
into for formal wear during the dinner, or rooms for the bride/groom
to change into going-away clothes?
-Are there restrictions on alcohol?
-Can hard liquor, beer, wine, or champagne be served?
-Can we provide our own liquor?
-With wine or champagne, is there a corkage fee?
-If you provide liquor, what is the per drink, or per person charge?
-Is there an adequate kitchen?
-Is there a dance floor (approx size?)?
-Do you provide a microphone?
-On the balcony, are there heaters and lights?
-If not, is there sufficient electrical power to be able to use them there?
-Are there adequate restroom facilities? Can we decorate them before
the reception?
-Is liability insurance, including liquor liability included in the rental fee?
-Do you provide a coat check? Is there a fee associated with this?
-Are we allowed to decorate the parking lot/walk up to the mess hall?
-Do we need to notify the MP's that we are having a reception, in case
of incidents?
-Is there a special area for guests to wait for the arrival of the
Bride and Groom?
-Is there a good location for the guest book and gift tables?

So, as you can see this gets very tedious and time consuming. I am going to assume that the person who receives this will think that I am the to be bride Nazi from hell.

The reason as to why one would want to look into this stuff is to ensure that there won't be extra charges that will pop up on a bill. Thriftiness is definitely the way to be.

And to think, I am doing this 2 YEARS (Almost) in ADVANCE!!! ;o)

ENGAGED!!!!

Yeah, so that is me now. I am engaged. I am what I never really thought I would be. Caged in...Promised for life, that sort of thing. I used to stick my nose up at that sort of behavior. I used to think it was silly to be engaged in University, that only freaks did that. Now that I am engaged, I guess you could say that I have changed my tune.

I have realized that the reason I was so against it was because I was so afraid that it was not going to happen. So that is why I was constantly undermining people who were engaged. Being someone's fiance brings about a sort of "ahhhhhhhhhh...." or a sigh that settles all of the issues that were in a relationship. And I don't mean fights that happened 2 days, 2 weeks or 2 months ago. I was dwelling on the things that happened 2 or 3 years ago, unable to get them out of my head.

I feel now that it was silly to dwell on them because I now understand that my fiance actually wants to be with me. And that is kind of nice. And, after soul searching, I came to the same conclusion. There is no one in this world that could ever get along with me as well as he can. It is nice to have that stability.

The only weird thing is that it is making me feel as though I have to grow up and get older. That is something that I feel even now as I write this. Instead of thinking about the next time I will spend silly amounts of money on clothes, I am thinking about the silly amount of money I will spend on my dress.

It is crazy how you grow up, and as I said, I am on a steep learning curve for the next few years. Needless to say, I am extremely happy and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to snag a guy like Tom.