I should probably write a bit about Tanya's wedding, since it occured during my two weeks offline and was something of a significant event, not the least for Tanya and Chris. Anyway, it was a fun time out in Sarnia/Petrolia with Tanya putting us bridesmaids to work. Particular highlights included the rehersal dinner hosted by the groom's mother and friend - chicken cordon bleu for 35 or so is a lot of chicken ! It was a very nice, informal way to meet the different sides of the family and to bond. I especially enjoyed bonding with the junior bridesmaid, Alex, who absolutely reminds me of me when I was her age (nine).

Of course, the wedding reception was pretty terrific, too. The musicians (at the ceremony as well) were excellent, which isn't a surprise considering Chris' musical life, in particular, the swing band who played through the evening. Hearing Chris play the trumpet with them during their second set was really neat, as I've never actually had the chance to see him perform. He's good. It was hard to dance, though, because someone's bright idea was to put the bridesmaids in skirts with sweep trains, which we (or others) were perpetually stepping on.

The hairdressers were wonderful, but every bit of the small-town stereotype: tight pants/leggings, heavily dyed hair, thirty-something women with practically grown-up children. They were really nice, though, and they did a great job. I had my hair pulled back in a sweep with a side part, with the hair falling loosely in curls down the back. It looked really pretty and fresh. Also, the photographers were really good ! Aside from the gazillion locations at which we were photographed, the sand in my stockings from the beach shoot (which allowed for the 20 year old limo driver to get a special treat when I had to roll them down to empty them), the pictures looked really great. Falling out of the limo on the beach kind of sucked, though. Again, stupid sweep train.

I made some new friends, too. Tanya's old friends Craig and Michelle, who were kind enough to drive me there and back, were generous and fun and I totally love Chris' parents and neice. Also, I bonded with the other two bridesmaids despite some very different roots and lifestyles.

There will be further entries concerning other things as I get the time to write them.

That said, I will add RIGHT NOW that I am working my LAST DAY at the ROM. And, I am currently sporting a livid magenta feather boa. Once, a long time ago, I promised a co-worker who then worked with me in Membership, that on my last day, I would wear a hot pink boa. I couldn't find one in hot pink, but this is close enough and it clashes marvellously with my orange shirt. I rock.

There's a lot to cover since my last post, unfortunately, I have been without Internet for two weeks now. It is tedious and irritating. It's one thing to go away to my cottage, or some other place, and leave my computer and internet access behind. It is a completely different kettle of fish to have my ability to surf from home ripped out from under me like a badly performed Vaudeville tablecloth trick. Trying to discuss wedding plans with various brides who live in places far from me, to co-ordinate activities has become irritating. When you come to rely on email and online journals, trying to relearn the telephone is challenging. No, seriously.

Anyway, no idea when things will be working again, but hopefully soon. Maybe I'll have the chance to post something from work tomorrow. Right now, my head hurts and I'm hot and sweaty and the laptop is cooking my thigh.

Today is Canada's birthday ! 138 years old, today ! In celebration, I am working at the ROM with the flag stuck in my hair. I am adorable. So far, people have either tried to ignore it because, I suppose, they're embarrassed by such demonstrations of patriotism, or have loved it. I'm waiting for some Americans to make a condescending joke, for which I will look at them as if they were speaking in tongues. Maybe they will behave themselves. At any rate, I'd wanted to wear my "Canadian Girls Kick Ass" teeshirt, but it's simply not appropriate for the Info desk. ;)

Also, I am wearing an orange shirt, and no one has said anything, which strikes me as odd, considering considering I've never worn orange before.

Eight days from now, Tanya will be getting married. I will be picking up my dress on Tuesday, and the bride's crinolines before I leave. I'm afraid I'm going to have to take the Greyhound, which is inconvenient, but I can't afford to rent a car at the moment, and I'll be able (I think) to hitch a ride back with A&C on the Sunday. As for the other wedding, next month, the dress is in and I need to pick it up. I'll shoot for sometime soon, and then I'll take it to a friend for alterations. And I'm currently working on Tracy's invitations for her wedding in the fall, as well as trying to figure out where my dress went.

As for the invitation design, it's finally coming together and I'm very happy about it. I just need to speak to her to run the concept past her in order to make sure she's alright with it. I'd really hate to spend hours on it only to discover it was really not what she wants. My plan is to finish the draft this week. Also, I need to talk to the mother of the bride about, you know, bridey things.

Aside from working and riding the bus to London, ON, and whatnot, my week is getting crammed with Things that Take Time(tm).

• Passport office


• Dress fitting


• Riding lesson/practice x2


• Pay tuition


• Get International Student Card


• Tracy's invitations

Okay. On Monday I'm also planning going to Casa Loma for their four day mini-Renaissance festival. I know a couple of people who will be there, so that will be extra fun. I'm trying to convince a mopey co-worker to come with me to that. She needs to get out and do something other than pine for her lost (and very lame) love.