"_____"

Just thought I'd pop in and say "hey." That's all. Off to take At-At to get her shots.

p.s. Keep on the lookout for a small red envelope in your mailbox this week. It contains something very special just for you!

"Rain, rain, go away"

Apparently there's a storm on it's way. What does this have to do with a wedding blog? Nothing, really. Just thought I'd let you know. The weatherman on T.V. says we're getting winds blowing up to 60 mph in-city, thunderstorms, and a deluge of rain. What we've gotten so far is a flooded basement, with water trying to creep into my bedroom. For those who've always wanted to know why I cuff my jeans: it's not because I wish I was a rocker, it's not because I'm short and too lazy to hem...no....it's for situations like this when everything is flooding.

Just kidding.

I'm supposed to be at a friend's lecture downtown, but have decided to stay-in. So, here I sit with my cup of hot cocoa, a fluffy blanket, and wedding stuff surrounding me. To my left is the makings for our wedding invitations, a book Paul found for me called "Anti-Bride Guide", a Pink Lady apple (my favorite), and my journal. To my right is my wedding veil (I just picked it up), my dress (I was going to try it on with the veil before we got flooded), and some fabric for making a shawl for my gown. Plans for The Big Day are coming along. Rumor has it there'll be firebreathers and a clown. Or not. It just might be a very quiet affair.

Ha-ha, kidding again!

In addition to putting together the wedding, we've started transforming Paul's super-bachelor pad into our home. Last week we created The List Of What Should Be Done, taped it to the wall, and have been slowly working our way through the list. If you click on the picture, you can see what grand plans we've created. Last night, we took a load of things to Value Village and picked up a new bed. We also unpacked some of my things and added my albums to Paul's collection. The next two months are looking like one big camping trip for me, as I'm living out of boxes at a friend's home while most of my things are at Paul's. The perks: I get to sleep in a cozy basement hobbit hole, my friend Dana Jill lives across the hall and her dog, Rugby - an oversized Yorkshire Terrier with attitude - and I spend alot of time on the couch together. The not-so-perks: there's no sunlight, Paul gets to bond with AT-AT and sleep in our new bed before I do, and I miss my things.

I know...rough.

Anyway, Christmas is almost here and we're excited to spend it together, with our families, and with our friends. Next friday marks one year of Team Us being, well, a team. One year. Wow. And now we're about to be married!

Gotta go. Looks like it's my turn to mop up the basement.

xo
Claudine

p.s. 64 days to The Big Day! Not that anyone's counting or anything (wink-wink)!

All Hands on Deck!

If you have found your way to this blog, we'll assume you are a friend. And if you are reading the things we have to say, you're probably a good one! Well, many of our pals from both sides of the aisle have been asking if we need anything, and as Claudine and I discuss this wedding of ours, we are seeing that we need a lot! No pressure - what is most important to us is that you come and have a good time - but if you can, there are a couple things specifically we could use some bodies for.

a) Ceremony/Reception set-up and tear down: We are having both in our church, which we love, but which also has to be ready for Sunday morning services the next day. Saturday weddings aren't even allowed - we had to use the secret handshake and promise we would get a crew to make it nice. If we get 20 people, it should take an hour after the reception ends. Yes - the keg will still be there! MH dudes - I'm looking at you!!! We will also need people to help set the thing up before the ceremony. Details on that are forthcoming, but we'd like to see if we can get some people to commit to helping now.

b) Rehearsal Dinner prep and pack: We also need help setting up and taking down the decorations for the rehearsal dinner. We'll be there too, but we would love to get a person/group to take this on as their "thing". We'll get the take down done fast so we can get everyone over to the Shanty for pool etc..

c) ?: Have a secret skill you think we can use? Wanna volunteer to be plugged in wherever we need you? Great. It takes a village, indeed!

We value and adore each and every one of you, and are looking so forward to getting you all into one room together! Talk about worlds colliding! We don't want to put anyone on the spot, so please don't feel obligated - especially those of you with kids etc.. If you would like to help us out, leave a comment below, or email us at paulmjhs@yahoo.com or claudine.atencio@gmail.com .

Paw in the Family...

Say hi to the newest member of Team Miller - AT-AT the cat! Yes, AT-AT, as in, "Where's AT-AT the cat at?" One of my students has a slut for a kitty an always has amazing kittens, and we were looking for a pet and lack a fence, so here we are.

She's great - thinks she's a dog and that's fine by me. No discipline. but how much trouble can a cat get into? Don't answer that!

And yes, she is named after the All Terrain Armored Transports in Star Wars. Wanna make something of it?!?!?!