Changed

"Here you go, ma'am. Have a nice day," she said as she handed me a warm piece of paper, fresh from her printer. "You'll receive your new card in the mail in 7-10 business days."

"Wow, so that's...it? I'm done? That's all there is to it?" There was no way it could be so easy, not from all the stories I'd heard.

"Yes, ma'am, that's all," she laughed. "Congratulations."

I looked down at the crisp piece of white paper in my hand, unprepared for the emotion I'd feel finally seeing my new name in print.

Legal.

Passenger

Yesterday when I was walking into the gym, a young girl chased after me quite frantically. When she caught up with me, she yelled, "Ma'am! Ma'am!" I turned around, thinking perhaps I'd dropped my keys or something equally important. "Yes?" I asked. "You've got a ladybug on your shoulder!" she said, wide-eyed and visibly shaken, raising her arm to point at the little red speck on my shirt.

Not sure why, but that encounter stayed with me and made me giggle throughout the evening. When exactly do we lose the courage or the concern for our neighbors to point out a bug on a stranger's shoulder?

Mail Call!

I had no idea how lovely it was to receive necklaces in the mail. I've received two this month, and no, I haven't been shopping!

First up was this lovely lady, early payment for a freelance job.

Isn't it great when a customer (I have only one!) pays in fashion.

And today this beauty arrived, which I won in a Relay for Life

raffle in support of dear Laura. I never win anything,

nonetheless something this awesome.

And meaningful.

Last Day of Work

...FOREVER! Or -- for a week.

On the to do:

- Secret sewing project

- sew a tote for my yoga mat

- get my hair done

- begin wedding invitation design

- finish at least one other wedding project

- spend one day doing something outdoorsy with J and the dogs

- Spring cleaning

- have future in-laws over for dinner (menu: TBD)

- SLEEP IN

- take J's grandfather out for a day of fun

- go to the beach

- enjoy one day of complete laziness (date: TBD)

Bridesmaid Eyes

That's what I'll tell people at work today when they ask why my eyes are bloodshot. May Bride and I stayed up until after midnight working on wedding projects. She's down to the wire and really needed the help. But after last night/this morning, her table numbers, reserved table signs, basically all signs, the welcome note for the hotel goody bags and the flip flop project: DONE. Craft central station was in full force last night, friends, and let me tell you, I was proud.

Good thing I'm off all of next week. And I only have to work a half day on Friday. So basically right now, on Tuesday morning, it is already like a Wednesday afternoon. (J can't concentrate anymore because I mentioned Tuesday Morning and now he's thinking about what new plants we need just for the excuse of needing more pots.)

Five

Thank you to Facebook for reminding me that these two photos exist in such close proximity of each other. And I'm learning that if you want to see a really awesome camera, find a young mom. They've always got the coolest technology.

Laura's Wedding -- Springfield, Missouri

Joanna's Bridal Shower -- My Parents' Basement, Undisclosed Location, Kansas

Risky

If you're feeling particularly adventurous, I recommend asking a man to buy deodorant for you. What did I end up with?

That's right. It's scented. Blueberry and white tea. Now when I put my deodorant on in the morning, I immediately want to lick my armpit. It's both a fascinating and disgusting urge that I hope I never indulge.