Evolution of a Bridesmaid Dress and other musings

Isn't it ironic that when I decide to give up on wedding planning, that it beckons me to it? Why, why must you call me? I just want to go to work, spend time with my fiance and "kids", hang out with my friends, and talk to my family without having a conversation about "the wedding." However, that is impossible.

"Ashlea, how's wedding planning going?"

"Ashlea, did you go to Michael's and get some ribbon with the 50% off coupon?" MY MOM

"Ashlea, did anyone warn you NOT to order dresses from David's Bridal and that they SUCK!"

Well, I had started out with a beautiful Bill Levkoff dress that I was going to have my bridesmaids order off the internet. However, even with the discount, the shipping and everything was still more than I was comfortable having my bridesmaids spend ( I didn't want them to spend over $150). Plus, they had really weird sizing. So, I found an identical dress at David's Bridal. I set up an account at one of their stores and told my bridesmaids to order it by September 16th. Katie and Amber both got theirs ordered, but Amber called me and told me that it was being discontinued. I immediately got on the phone and checked into sizes for my remainig bridesmaids and they were out and were not making anymore! DAMN! David's Bridal is not flexible at all and they only do exchanges even though it was totally their fault. So, I kept picking new dresses and a bunch of them were being discontinued. I found out why, it was the color...Champagne! Then, I decided okay I'll just have them wear Periwinkle dresses....no, no, it was a discontinued color as well. "They're spring colors," said the saleslady, "Why don't you pick something from our fall collection?" My wedding is March 21st. WHY THE HELL would I order a "fall" colored gown! I eventually found a dress that works perfectly for my bridesmaids. It's totally different than what I wanted, but I love it and I think my girls will look stunning in it. My mom and matron of honor (Katie) both like it better than the original dress, so I think that is a good sign. So, I'm posting pictures of the three bridesmaid dresses. The first one is the NEW dress. The 2nd one is the original dress (Bill Levkoff) and the 3rd dress is the discontinued dress. Imagine it with a periwinkle ribbon tied around the waist. I still need to pick that up!

On another note, not to bitch about the hurricane, but damn, it's really cramping my style. How, you may ask? Because, I haven't recieved the scores of the test I took almost two weeks ago. I'm pretty sure I failed it, but I just want a confirmation. It was by far the hardest exam I've taken for this program. The test is modeled after the TeXes Administrator's Exam. Guess I shouldn't be a principal. On another note, I need to start on my internship. Basically, I just need to start recording everything I've done that can count as internship hours. Luckily, I've done a lot. Unfortunately, I'm not very organized, so it will take a long time to straighten out!

Sorry this blog post has turned into a bitch fest, but just one last thing. SAMPSON! Sam is turning into such a pest. He's so mean to other dogs. At first I thought it was just big dogs, but he's even mean to little dogs. I'm just so embarrassed when we go on walks because every dog is scared of him. Then if he doesn't get his fill of attacking other dogs, he just turns and attacks his sister. He does this way too many times a day. I tried taking them running in the mornings, but I had to start bringing Sam back because he hated running so much that he started attacking Maya. Plus, Sam has been chewing parts of the linoleum in our kitchen (can't wait to see if our pet deposit covers it). I keep trying all the behavioral tricks that our trainer taught us, but he's just a little butt! Then last night, Murad was trying to get Sam off the bed and he started growling at Murad. Murad was pissed! We do not handle disrespect well, even from animals. I used to expect this kind of behavior out of Maya just because she's kind of wild and a free spirit, but she is so awesome now. I wish her brother could be. It's weird because people like Sampson better because he's real chill and for some reason people think he's better looking. However, Maya doesn't warm up to people well, but she's so friendly with other dogs. They're just two totally different dogs!

Well, Murad has officially started the grad school search. (there is one good thing in this post) He talked to a psychologist at his job last night who basically told him that he would be an ideal candidate for a doctoral program. Plus, with his grades and experiences he shouldn't have any trouble getting financial aid. This is such an exciting time in our lives. Not only are we getting married, but things just seem to be falling in place everywhere else. I know that all Murad has ever wanted to do is to get his Ph.D in pyschology. When I first met him he talked of it, but he knew that he would have to go back to school and improve his grades. So, he's back in school, sitting in classes with people who are years younger than him just to get a second degree and get into grad school. I'm just so proud of how far he's come. On another note, as I write this blog the Philadelphia Eagles (Murad's team) and the Dallas Cowboys are playing. This is the last game in Texas Stadium. *tear*

Go Eagles!