Dancing Partner

Dancing was so much fun today.

David and I were laughing so hard, the teacher told us (well, David to be more specific) to stop mucking around. Right after he said to me, "Sky, this is not a joke. It's a very serious matter". Of course that made me laugh even more.

David also caught on to the fun game of pretending what people were really thinking. We made up quite elaborate stories for some other people in our class, including a very old man who came without his wife tonight.

Too bad he had to go to work afterwards. I know he didn't even want to go to class 'cause he was tired but he only came 'cause of me.

Can't wait till we have our own place to see each other more often. Ahh....

What's On David's Mind

David and I were involved in a mini car accident on the weekend. A P plater ran into the back of my car at a traffic light. I was actually quite happy because he didn't cause much damage but since I backed into a little pole a while back, the guy thought he did the dent.

This may sound horrible but I'm going to use the guy's insurance to pay for the damage, even though he didn't cause most of it. I think I deserve it after my incident with a hit and run driver causing me hundreds of dollars worth of repairs.

Anyway, David got the driver's details and was spelling out his name to me over the phone:

"H for homework, A for accounting, M for money, I for investor, S for savings and H for... had enough."

Poor guy obviously has been a little overworked and overstudied.

Still Here

Life has been hectic for me lately. It's gotten so busy that I had to make use of my pocket planner (taken from work and never used until now).

I had something on every day of last week.

Planning a wedding is like a part-time job.

Had some consecutive problems with my eyes. They seem better now so I shouldn't really be online tiring them. (I decided to take 2 days break from the internet and you wouldn't believe how many important emails I missed!)

I lost 3kg in one week which was a bit worrisome (not that I minded but it didn't seem healthy). My Mum thought it was 'cause of stress which was weird since I usually eat more when I stress. David said I was taking on too many things at one time causing me to get overwhelmed.

I'm now concentrating on 1 (well 3) things at a time and I feel better already. I just never thought that it would be so difficult and expensive to plan a wedding and I had fears that after all the planning it wouldn't turn out well or that it wouldn't turn out at all.

Also had some changes at work. My idiot manager lost her job. I guess the big bosses weren't happy with her either. She was very upset. So upset, in fact, that she cried... several times.

I felt guilty for not liking her because before she left she told me how talented I was and that she would be more than happy to give me a reference.

I told a really big fat white lie that she gave great direction and it was great working with her. Oh well, those sort of lies are important. She was already having a horrible week.

Now my new manager is the single 35 year old who I might've mentioned here. She doesn't have much experience in management but she's organised (and hopefully won't kick me out when my contract is up).

On the home front, my brother and I are on speaking terms again which is nice. During our non-talking period, he got himself a girlfriend. A very expensive one who wouldn't pay for anything so he was glad to break up with her last week. I didn't realise how good David had it with me. I mean if you want to be treated equally, you have to act the part.

David said to Andy, "I'm so lucky that way!" Times like these makes me think, "I make a damn good girlfriend".

On the weekend our parents met each other. It went the way I expected it to be - awkward at first but fine later.

We also went out to unofficially celebrate my birthday. David got very mad at my friends because they said they were too tired to stay out late (since we got there after 11pm). He was about to tell them off but I stopped him. I hate unnecessary conflict. I think he was more upset than me.

After he calmed down, we went in to dance which was great fun. He was very sweet. Ria was there with her boyfriend. I was surprised to get a birthday present from her. She congratulated us on the engagemt and said, "I can't believe you're going to be like grown-ups now" and I replied, "Just 'cause we're getting married doesn't mean we're going to be like grown-ups".

This is David's and my philosophy on life - having responsibilities and being independent does not stop you from having good old childish fun.

Lately, I've just been proven over and over again that I'm making the best decision of my life by marrying David. I didn't think it was possible but I'm falling in love with him even more each day.

(After not writing in here for a week, I got worried that this blog would die a slow death where the posts would become more sparse until one day they would all stop. I want to finish this blog on a high note so even though my posts might not be as frequent, I'm still here.)

Bridal Dress Shopping

April and I have been looking forward to today longer than I've known my fiance. Shopping for your bridal gown is not something you can do anytime.

It was quite surreal walking into a large bridal store in the City, bustling with brides and their mothers/sisters/friends. I was a bit numb because I had my goal of finding the dress I imagined for myself. April, on the other hand was almost hyperventilating with excitement.

We felt like we weren't really supposed to be there.

We went to the sale section and I told April to look through one side while I searched through the other. I described what I wanted - not strapless, not too huge at the bottom, clear white etc. Since 99% of them were strapless, we went through the hangers quite quickly. Finally when I found one I wanted to try on, I came up to one lady and asked her for an available change room.

The lady looked at me strangely and asked, "Do you have an assistant?" I looked at her blankly. Then she asked, "Do you have an appointment?"

An appointment! I couldn't believe you had to make one to try on a dress! I came up to the counter to add my name to their waiting list. The saleswoman said to come back in one and a half hours!

April and I decided to see the other stores. I added my name to another store's waiting list too.

After walking around the City discussing bridesmaid dresses and other wedding details, we came back to our first appointment.

A middle-aged lady introduced herself and helped me pick some dresses (including strapless 'cause she said straps could be added later).

She also gave me some skirt to put on under the dress. Then she told me to get undressed and she'd come and help me put on the dresses. I didn't like that one bit 'cause I didn't want some stranger seeing me in my underwear and some transparent skirt.

When she came in, she told me to stand backwards to her so she could put on the dress. I guess that wasn't too bad since she could only see me from the back. As the dress fell around me, I was very surprised how heavy it was! I also realised that since the bodice was tied up at the back, it provided enough support not to need the straps.

I was a bit worried to walk out to see myself in the mirror since I didn't want to look bad in front of all the other people eager to see the brides in the gowns.

When I walked out and saw April's face of awe, I looked in the mirror and realised that I didn't have to worry. The dress made me look beautiful.

The assistant got me to walk onto a podium in front of the large mirror. I didn't notice ealier how long the train was (no wonder it was so heavy). I couldn't believe how I looked in a wedding dress. Like the whole thing was a dream. The wide grin on April's face only added to my happiness.

The next dress I tried on was just as wonderful. The only problem was that it was even heavier than the first and a little tight (not that anyone would notice since it looked like it fitted well). I wasn't ready to compromise my comfort for beauty. I mean, I wouldn't even be able to dance in it! That was just not an option.

The big bonus was that they were all around $1000 (which as it turns out is quite good). The sale items were available off the rack, unlike the others which had to be ordered 6 months ahead!

April got offended when the lady told us that the dresses on the other side were out of my range. April said she had no right to assume how much money we had. She said it reminded her of the scene in Pretty Woman.

The next store was not as successful. Even though the dresses were lighter and more comfortable they just didn't sit as well.

We left the shops with a feeling of exhiliration. April said all the stores were just like in the movies, with the waiting areas, dress portfolios sprawled on coffee tables and ordinary women coming out of the change rooms as princesses.

I can't wait to go on and try on some more!

My Boyfriend with Good Taste

I got my ring back!

David got it from the store yesterday and asked me to marry him again in his bedroom. I said yes (to be consistent).

And I haven't really taken it off since. My Mum said, "You don't have to wear it to bed".

I was never even into rings but this one I love! People at work said David has good taste. For some reason I kept thinking that his good taste obviously shows in his choice of partner.

I told David yesterday that even though I was very nervous in the first few days, now I'm totally fine and just plain excited. I've made the right decision in several ways.

My friends say I'm very lucky and I know it. I don't take it for granted. I mean with my high standard and limited choice I managed to get a guy that fits my criteria.

Yes, there were some obstacles that seemed unbreakable but somehow we got through them and are better for it.

I was listening to someone getting cheated on, on the radio, and I got so mad. How anyone could deceive their partner is beyond me. Just the evil of it.

Being in love, I really felt for that girl. I think that for a person you love to break your heart is the worst thing in the world.

Sorry, got a bit on the dark side but this is a bit of an emotional time for me. (Like when is it not in the last few years?)

Yesterday at David's house when we were talking about venues, he said to me, "You know I can't go and see all of them. I don't have time." Even though I understood how busy he was (with full-time night work and uni), I still felt a little sad that he wouldn't be able to help me with such an important event.

I tried to hide my disappointment while David went to have a shower. When he got out, he said excitedly, "Baby, I was thinking in the shower and came up with an idea. I will go and see these places straight after work in the morning and let you know if it's worth for you to go there".

That is exactly one of the many reasons I love him. He will always try to make me happy, no matter how inconvenient it is for him. (And he makes good use of his shower time.)

Wedding Location

I always thought planning a wedding is simple. You pick the venue, you choose the dress, you turn up, sign and kiss.

But no....... I was stuck at number one: the venue.

Who would've thought that to book a place you need to do it at least a year ahead? No wonder everyone in Australia gets married closer to their 30s. They have to wait a few years for the venue.

And with an average wedding costing about $20 000, how on earth can someone like David and I afford anything nice?

I consider myself a pretty good researcher and started with full enthusiasm and positivity that I was going to find several options. After 2 weeks, I seriously thought I wasn't going to have a wedding.

However, we've had some luck come our way and it turns out David will finish his exams a week early so we can get one place that was ok on a Friday. Then, I spoke with David's step-sister and she suggested another great place that wasn't advertised anywhere. Hopefully it's still free.

So now, I'm again with hope that my wedding will still happen this year.

The Bridesmaids Dilemma

I'm having a problem. I don't know what to do about bridesmaids. It's like having to choose your favourite friends.

I'm fine with ranking my friends in my head but not too comfortable sharing this information with everyone.

If I could have my way, I would pick April, Amelia (I've forgiven her, will tell you later) and Claudia. There is no way I want to have Christine. I only hang out with her because she's part of the group. But how can I have all the others and leave her out? That would be so mean.

Then, I think, it's my wedding, why should I do things just to please everyone else when these people would be quite selfish in other circumstances?

First I decided I would just have April. Everyone knows I'm the closest with her. Not that they wouldn't get upset but at least they wouldn't be left out alone. I also considered having Nadine as well since we were very close and no matter how much we don't talk sometimes, we always keep in touch.

But I'm still not too happy with that scenario, it just doesn't feel right.

So today I came up with an idea. Since I'm not having a conventional wedding, there is no real need for bridesmaids. I will just tell everyone that to fit into my theme of 'enchantment' and 'magic', they can all be my 'fairies' so they get to choose their own outfit to suit the theme but in reality there will be no distinction between them and the rest of the guests. What do you think?

For some reason, I don't think they will understand and might think I've gone a little crazy, making them dress up as modern fairies. (Personally, I would have fun with that if I were in their shoes.)

Any other suggestions?

My Magic Wedding

Weddings are so expensive, it's not fair!

The more I look at wedding websites and magazines, the more pressured I get about having the 'perfect' wedding. It really gets to you when they all emphasize that you only do it once which makes me wonder if I'd regret just putting a basic one together.

I mean, a freaking videographer costs at least $1500! That's ridiculous. That could be a fortnightly salary.

Cakes cost several hundred dollars.

Venue prices are just crazy.

And of course I would like a nice honeymoon but I can forget about saving money there.

Also, the wedding night would be nice to spend in a luxurious room but doubt that will be happening.

My budget of $5000 for the whole wedding is starting to seem very unrealistic. The dress alone is $1000 (in the low range).

We don't even want many people (about 70) but at $85 per head that's thousands of dollars just for the reception.

I really thought it'd be possible to get $50 per head but that was just a nice dream that came crashing down after days of research.

Since I won't have my 'perfect' wedding or anything even close, I will describe it here for you, more to feed my hungry imagination than to let you know what it could be like.

The ceremony is in a beautiful luscious green garden, almost like the middle of a magical forest. The bride (i.e. me) is in a flowing dress with sheer layered fabric uneven at the hem, with little crystals sprinkled on the bodice like rainwater drops.

Once the legal formalities are sealed with a passionate kiss, the party moves into a magical place where everything else is forgotten. There's a warm glow all around the room. The ceiling is adorned with sheer white fabric and fairy light giving the place a sense of enchantment. The tables are covered with all sorts of berries and flowers. Dinner is a magical feast. A little later, a band starts playing a mix of POBian, Latin and English music. The whole dancefloor is full with enormous amounts of fun. Everyone is merry and jolly.

The cake is not only beautiful, it is scrumptious - choclate with raspberries throughout and ganache.

The bride and groom leave the party to spend the night in a cosy room with a spa and edible delights.

Next day they leave for a 2 week honeymoon where they enjoy their first weeks as husband and wife before they go back to their new home and enjoy the rest of their lives together.

Sounds nice? Well, the cost of my dream wedding is making me look forward to when David and I actually move in together and start our new lives together.

A Modern Fairytale

I feel overwhelmed. There's so much to do. So many stories and I can't put anything into words.

I'm getting to the end of my POBian TV series and everything the main character is going through just heightens all my emotions.

She started off as a shy girl with no life and is now a confident woman who becomes the president of the company. All she has to do now is sort out her love life. But she's almost there.

The show's opening song changed from one about loneliness and inner-love to a self-affirming one about opening up to people and showing everyone who you really are.

It's a modern fairytale and I love good endings.

Maybe I can write about my life when I'm a little calmer.

Actually, I might as well tell you that David and I are speaking with mortgage lender this week and seeing a possible wedding venue. Soooooooo excited!!!!!!!!!

The Proposal Story

That day I knew I was going to get engaged before he even proposed.

It wasn't due to any intuition, it was knowing how David thought.

Let's look at the clues:
1. we've already decided we wanted to get married at the end of the year
2. it takes time to plan the wedding
3. David was about to go back to work full-time and study part-time, leaving him very little free time.
4. It was exactly 1 year and 9 months since we got together.
5. He asked me out to dinner

Of course I couldn't be 100% sure but all morning I kept thinking, "This is the last time I'm going to be technically not committed to anyone" and "Ohmygod, I'm going to get engaged!" I kept busy trying to guess how David would do it. For example, would he surprise me and ask as soon as he walked in the door (he did joke that he would surprise me by asking me after going to the toilet). Or would he be more formal and wait till the end of the night.

As soon as I saw him with a haircut and wearing a white shirt, I knew that was the day.

The next hint to give me further proof was when after deciding to go to the City, he changed his mind and suggested we go to the place where he asked me out the first time.

We didn't anticipate the peak hour traffic in that area and got there in two hours. I must've been whining a little too much because he said, "Don't worry, I'll make your day worth it". Could he have made it any clearer of what was going to happen?!

We had very yummy (and 'cheap Tuesday') dinner. Later he commented that he couldn't believe how quickly I made up my mind about what I wanted. My indecisiveness has been known to annoy him but I could see nothing was going to annoy him that day.

I started feeling his nervousness.

After dinner we went for a walk towards the exact place where he asked me out the first time. Usually that place is quite empty but that day there was a constant stream of people. David always kept looking around, something he never does! We were looking out into the water and I got so nervous because I knew exactly what he was about to do since he started talking about how wonderful I was and how he could never get enough of me. I wasn't stupid, I knew where that was leading.

Since I got really nervous and I was really feeling for his nervousness, I decided to tell him some jokes. Instead of teasing me, the way he usually does, he was just smiling this really sweet loving smile... and looking around.

He took me to sit down on the bench. We discussed a little whether it was the bench on which he asked me out the first time. Since we couldn't remember, we just sat on the cleanest one.

At that point I could feel his nervousness to the depth of my core. I think he tried to calm himself down by kissing me. As he was giving me a kiss, I saw his hand reach into his pocket. He probably thought he was distracting me from seeing that but I was so nervous, I was aware of every move.

When we broke apart, he showed me the box and asked, "Will you marry me?" (well, that's what I think he said) and even though I knew it was going to happen, I still got such a shock that it actually did. I couldn't stop giggling. I said yes. Then kept on laughing. After a few minutes he asked, "Uhm, did you say yes?" which caused me to laugh even more. I said "yes" again.

Then he asked, "Well, aren't you going to open it?" referring to the box with the ring. For some reason I assumed the guy was supposed to do that. We laughed about our lack of experience in these proceedings. When I opened it, I could barely see it because it was very dark. He slipped it on my finger and I almost felt like we just said "I do".

When we got into the light, I had a closer look and to be honest, I couldn't care less what it looked like, I was just amazed that there was an engagement ring on my finger. I told David it was a good proof for the next day when I'd wake up and think it was all a dream.

He told me of his long search for the ring because he couldn't find anything he liked but when he saw this one, he knew it was the right one. The fact that he put so much effort into getting me a ring was what really touched my heart.

I didn't pay attention that it was too big for me and the band was quite thick and rubbed against my other fingers.

The stone was what I would've picked - "Princess Cut" because he said I'm his Princess.

A little earlier we were talking about jewellery (don't remember why) and I mentioned how I prefered white gold. He said he was worried I wouldn't like the yellow one but of course I loved it. How can I not? It was chosen with care by the person who loves me the most. I was never fussed with jewellery. (Right now it's being resized.)

After the nerves settled down, I told him how I knew he was going to do it and was trying to make it easy for him. I asked him why he was nervous when he knew I would say yes. He explained that there's always doubt that I might change my mind.

We hung around the ocean a little longer, letting it all sink in. Then we rushed home to tell my parents before they went to sleep, but that's a story for another day.

So there you go! That's how I got engaged. I thought it was perfect - intimate and meaningful, just the way I like it.

Hide and Seek

Today, after work, David was at my house.

While I was in the kitchen, he went to another room. I called for him but no reply. I went to check where he was but couldn't find him anywhere. Thinking he was hiding from me, I decided to get him out in a different way.

"Do you want some chocolate?" I shouted across the house. No sound.

I went through all the rooms again. When I got to the bathroom, checking it more thouroughly, I saw him hiding behind the shower door.

I couldn't stop laughing.

He came out with a huge grin on his face. Such a big kid.

That's when all my nerves about the seriousness of our recent decision disappeared. I thought, "Now, that's the guy I want to marry".