Brides Beware!!!!

With less than two months until the big day I am beginning to get a little stressed. There are so many little details and decisions that need to be made. For example, ceremony programs and layout, inclimate weather alternatives, welcome bags for the hotels, gifts, cocktail choices, guest book styles, picture locations, finalizing centerpieces and flower arrangements, music, hair, make-up… You get the idea.

While writing this post I asked myself, what do I want to share, and what is the reason for this blog?

The answer: to tell people what REALLY happens before I do. It may not be pretty, but it’s true and over the last two or three months I have learned a lot about what can happen if you are not on top of every moving part.

I love our venue, I really do, it was the only one we saw. BRIDES, buyer beware! Any and all venues, contractors, or vendors have a contingency within their contracts, they can change, update, alter or move anything without your approval, fires and other “acts of god” do not hold them liable. Over the winter we were delighted to hear about the upgraded tent that was now available at the farm. We, especially Donna, were thrilled to hear they would be providing a sailcloth tent with wood floors throughout.

Because I am a bit neurotic I needed to see the tent myself. Home for a weekend, Donna and I took a drive to the farm. Let just say that trip was not so pleasant. With these new upgrades, came new questions and concerns. We have addressed them and will be planning accordingly.(still a work in progress) The new tent is setup at a different location within the  estate grounds than originally agreed upon. We have to change ceremony location and find a way to accommodate the elderly/handicap. My aggravation with this situation is/was the lack of planning. When the team agreed to set up the tent on the larger lawn, I thought they would have arrangements for every possible sition or question we had. Well call me crazy… They didn’t. (again we have and are working this out)

If you have been following you will have read that the boys’ suits have been ordered! I took the liberty of getting them all ties. One, because I didn’t trust them, and two,  because I had a very specific color I wanted them to match with. If you want something done right, do it yourself!

I finally found ties, on sale, and almost the exact color I wanted. Only challenge was getting 11 of them. I figured there would be more in the back, or online. Nope! They were no longer available online or in a store within three states from me. I was advised to call a store in Texas. Their inventory system said they had 9 ties available. I thought perfect, they could send the remaining 8 I needed. This was again another problem. The first women told me they could not ship product (Mind you I was ordering at Macy's). I finally talked to someone who told me I needed a macy's card to ship out of state and blah blah blah. Two hours later they were ordered! While I was shopping and dealing with the crazy people on the phone Matt was enjoying himself a Friday night beverage with work friends.

We have had some success with the bridesmaids dresses. They are in and look great! My dress on the other hand, is a different story. Without giving anything away, it is about four sizes too big. We are working on that too.

Last but not least, I want to warn all Brides, Bridesmaids, Grooms, Mother of the bride etc. DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN ANY SPORT THAT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY.

A  few weeks ago we were heading out on a friends boat to to do some wakeboarding, needless to say that day turned into a mess. On one of my runs I fell which was normal, no problem. Well I had a freak accident and got the line wrapped around my upper right arm. I didnt want to be a baby so I  looked at my arm and the massive rope burn and kept going. About an hour after and a drink or two in, I asked Matt to take a look at my arm. His face was not comforting. The bruising looked like something from a horror movie(as shown). I had a work trip to LA two days later. TSA stopped me at security check in. “Miss are you traveling alone?” I was like this is weird… why would they ask that? Then I realized that my arm looks like someone beat it with a bat. I am so lucky my arm didn't get ripped off and this didn't happen in late August.

I’m sure to have more stories, problems and breakdowns before the Wedding.

-Ash

Suits on Suits.....

It has been an interesting couple of weeks for us here at the Lambert/Stambler wedding headquarters. But, we have gotten a lot done.

One of the biggest challenges thus far was the suits for the boys. I had three simple qualifications; the right color grey, a good price, and of course, it had to fit Matt. Simple right? NOPE ! Finding a suit I liked, decently priced was challenging within itself. Never mind finding a suit that fit Matt, and 10 other guys. Three of which are behemoths, and the rest, well, they would all fit perfectly into a slim fit suit.

I shopped for months, purchased multiple suits for Matt to try on, ultimately returning every single one.  I thought Macy’s would be a perfect place to buy them. The boys would be able to order them online, their sales and discounts are always great, plus they have a large selection of styles.

NOTE: to any bride looking for groomsmens suits, it is much harder than you’d think. Once I would find a color I liked that was on sale and Matt found time to try it on, the sale was over and we were back to square one!

I finally decided on one suit and waited for it to go on sale.  Unfortunately, the sale happened just days before the boys went on their “man-cation” ie. Bachelor party.  

I have to say, I was impressed. Matt sent out an email with the link and information. Within two days almost all the boys had ordered their suits! That’s 11 boys in total, from Texas, MA , Miami, and NY.

With that aspect taken care of we have moved on to the “little things” Like rings, programs, hotel bags, favors, sending out invitations, menu for the boat Sunday, hair, makeup, and oh yeah my dress….  We have quite the month ahead of us!

 

-Ash

Third Times a Charm...

So it has been quite a while since we had any bridezilla, drama, or breakdowns. 100 days to go (as of 5/28)!

 
Have any of you ordered wedding invitations through a website? Did it take you three weeks of sifting through the hundreds of sites to then go and stare at the computer screen for another 3 or so hours?  This was all so that I could sort through thousands of options, styles, paper, colors, textures.  We(well I) did… I was ahead of schedule and was excited to be ordering them weeks before the due date. That excitement was short lived. The very next day I changed my mind. I put the order on hold, ordered two different samples, waited 10 business days for the choices and made a decision. Still ahead of schedule, we reordered our invitations. The site was fantastic, timely and reasonably priced. They came in about a week and a half later. I brought them home to show my Wedding team AKA my family.

 

Proud of how organized I was and excited  to cross something else off the “To Do” list, Donna read the invitation.  Again, that excitement came to a screaming halt. THEY WERE WRONG. Matt and I both overlooked the major grammar mistake. UGH, I should have sent the proof to my trusty wedding bitch, blog editor, and of course friend Justine. For those who don't know, I can not spell to save my life, nor am I ever grammatically correct.

Now, I had to take care of these invitations. I called the customer service number, tried to use my selling skills to convince them it was their fault, and reorder the invitations for a THIRD time. Unfortunately, this company crossed their T’s and dotted their I’s. They had proof that Matt and I agreed that everything was correct and they could send the invites to the printer.
Although they gave us a discount, we did need to pay to re-print our invitations. I guess third time's a charm.



-Ash

   

The Count Down Blues....

With just less than 4 months left to go until the big day, team Lambert/Stambler are chugging away at the tedious little details.

Invitations, Ordered! Let me tell ya, paper is not cheap. Honeymoon, booked! Hair, Make-up, done. Table numbers, seating chart, decor, florist, and shoes… Check! This circus is really starting to come around. Most people call this “crunch time” I am referring to it as diet and gym time! The details (dresses, invites, custom napkins, flowers etc.) will all be taken care of.

I can honestly say I am not stressed out, just sad.  It hit me, in just a few short months, our wedding will be here and over before I know it. The big day, tying the knot, sealing the deal, ball and chain. The one day you look forward to all of your life is actually happening…and  SOON! I am so excited to celebrate with our friends and family but sad that as soon as the weekend is over I have nothing to look forward to except,  getting fat, having a baby…. and oh yeah, my husband! Kidding, I have a lot to look forward to, just not a day where the world revolves me (joking again).

I’m going to be that crazy person who will try and wear her wedding dress again, or at least keep it in my closet to look at/ try on once in a while. Its not even in and I already dread only being able to wear it once.  All of my moms hard work, hand sewing, sentimental touches will all be a memory. Its crazy to realize that a year and a half worth of planning will be over in four months.

- Ash

The Things That Will Last A Life Time...

Marriage customs have undergone many profound changes in the past few centuries. Contemporary American brides and grooms don’t meet for the first time at the ceremony and the bride doesn’t come attached to livestock from her father.

The average age of couples to be married right now is 28, in comparison to the early 60’s when it was just 22.

As a society we spend more time focusing on ourselves, our careers and dreams well before we “settle down”. We are not 16 year old children being married off, forced to run a household, care for your new husband, cook, clean,  and work on the farm alone (all for the first time).  Many of my friends have, or are living with,  their significant other. They have the basic necessities; vacuum, pots, pans, utensils, serving ware etc. Bridal showers and Wedding registries began in late 1800’s as a way to give the bride-to-be gifts she will need in her new life. Today, a new life is not necessarily what happens after your wedding. Most have the same job, live in the same place, and take care of the chores as they did before they were a Mrs.

 

When you get engaged you're expected to create a gift registry. Which consists of spending hours in different department stores scanning any and all of the items you like. Ultimately creating a list of “needs” for your new life. A few weeks ago Matt and I did a small part of the registry at two smaller stores. Matt, who is more realististic than I am, put me in my place. Just because I like something it doesn't mean I need it. Utensils that cost $250 a set for $35?  Donna and I made the big trip to Macy’s over the weekend. Thank god I went with her, not Matt. Partly because she didn't make me feel bad for putting pricy items on the list, and because she has great suggestions. Three and a half hours later we were done. It’s overwhelming to look at all of the options, brands, and styles. Luckily Donna is an enthusiastic housewife, mom and cook. She was able to recommend knives, bakeware, blenders, vacuums etc.  Although I have many of these things, I have the excuse to upgrade… right?

 

Its nice to be able to make a list of everything you could ever want, right ladies? About 70% of this list consists of items that are necessary for cooking, entertaining and decorating… you know wifely duties. The rest, you may never use. I was skeptical about registering for elaborate things, or items I may use once a year. I do not want ANYONE thinking they need to get us a gift or put them in an uncomfortable situation. My mom and mother-in-law have ensured me that people WANT to get us a gift, we are not a burden.

I love myself some material things, and have a bit of an obsession with designer brands. But after thinking about the symbolic message behind these items I found my whole hearted connection.

Our ‘new beginning’ will be full of gifts from loved ones. These items may not be our first’s but I hope for them to be our last’s. Trust me I enjoy and appreciate all of the attention, time and money put into getting us something. But what I love more than the physical gift is the story, memory or logic behind it. I may not be that 16 year old girl looking for help as I begin my new life. But I am looking forward to the items that will be a forever place in our ‘new beginning’.

 

 

-Ash

Finally...

Big week here for the Lambler wedding planners!

Let me give you a breakdown of the weekend.  We started off on Saturday, where Donna Sarah and I trekked into Boston (which at this point has about 8 feet of snow). Donna thought it would be easier to take the train, well it wasn't. We were about 40 minutes late for our appointment, and this was one appointment we should NOT have been late to.

Luckily, they were still able to take us. I'll spare y’all the story and drama to share that I FINALLY FOUND A DRESS!  

Now imagine a full marching band-- lights, sparklers,fireworks, the whole deal. Something Just shy of Katy Perry's half time performance. That image was happening in Donna's head! She was relieved that we finally made a decision. Her tears lasted no longer than 3 seconds before she went right back to calibration mode. Sarah said “Ugh finally we don't have to shop any more.”.  This sigh of relief will be short lived, I'm changing a few (60%) of the dress once is comes in. Yeah I know, I’m crazy.

It took 7 different bridal salons, close to 70 different dresses to finally find the one (after the changes).  We had made a tradition of getting drinks after each shopping trip. This was probably because they were so annoyed, aggravated and exhausted. This time, when we should actually be celebrating, we couldn't. We had another meeting back at home. A 1/2 hour late for meeting number two, Matt and I finally met Maura, our wedding coordinator. No, she's not a wedding planner we hired, she's the event manager for the venue. She's taking care of all the details from arrival time to set up, cocktail hour and break down. Without her I would be lost.

Because we were running late, Tiger and Matt were there waiting for us. Maura wanted to start the meeting, so she asked the boys a question, they didn't know. Another… they had no idea. So when she asked a third question and they both looked at her blank faced she changed the subject to the weather. We got a little reality slap. She asked questions I hadn't even begun to think about! After the meeting Donna, Tiger, Matt and I went to dinner. I ordered a much needed bourbon neat.

The next day, hungover and unshowered, Sarah Jean dragged me to another bridesmaids boutique. She wanted to make sure she loved the one she picked out a month ago. So there I was, confusing myself with color swatches and brands yet again. The idea behind the bridesmaids dresses should have stayed and idea. I have made it more complicated than ever. I sprawled out on the boutique floor mixing and matching color cards, prices, fabric and brands. My "fashion forward" vision is nothing but crazy. Sarah and I spent an hour and a half looking over colors that I had seen for months. We finally came to a conclusion and now, it's done!

I found a dress, realized I am not ready for this wedding, had a breakdown, finalized the bridesmaids colors, went to our friends 30th birthday party, saw another best friends new baby girl, had a belated birthday dinner for my grandfather, Matt and Donna, all in time to make it back to NY for work monday.

-Ash

Cracking down on the 'TO DO' list???

I know it has been a while since I have written a blog so let me refresh your minds (for those out there who care).

We are T-8 months away. According to ‘The Knot’ I should have: Save the Dates, Check. Hired a photographer/videographer, check. Booked my band, old news. Reserve a block of rooms, Check. Talk to travel agent, Check. Choose invitations, nope. Meet with Caterers, nope. Finish registry, haven’t started.  And lastly, order my dress and yeah that hasn’t happened.

My bridesmaids are awesome, organized, and cooperative! Over Christmas break they came shopping, saw a mini meltdown, and oh yeah got their shit together. They are all on track and almost ready to order their dresses. I on the other hand, have tried on what feels like 700+ dresses.

 
 
I’m going to let all of you in on a wonderful little secret! My cousin’s wife Danielle told me about a friend of hers who started a staging rental company geared towards weddings. When she sent the link I was floored by her creativity and designs. What an amazing idea! Aneta Amoroso is an outdoor wedding god!
When I say she is saving my family and friends a Summer full of arts and crafts, wood building and painting, I mean it! She has absolutely everything I want. No thrift shops, no Marshalls runs, and no AC Moore crafts.  We rent her pieces, set them up and that’s it! For any of you vintage, rustic, DIY brides, book her now!

Yes it is a little trendy but so were puffy sleeves and wedding hats in the 80’s. I really hate giving out “my” little secrets, but she is too good not to share.  

-Ash

The KNOT…. on my do NOT list!

This is real!

The knot, a popular online wedding planner designed to create stress, loves to send weekly updates. Whenever I see “The Knot” in my email I immediately cringe. Its a reminder of how many days until the wedding and what I have yet to do.  

Anyway, recently we have decided on the rest of the BIG things. We only have to give them our first born. We have ordered the save-the dates and got the hotels together well, kinda.  Anyone who has a large percentage of guests traveling for a wedding be sure to reserve your hotels early. Salem is no vacation hot spot, so we figured there would be no problem getting room blocks, well we were wrong!

Looking back and reading the first few blogs, I had a different idea of how wedding planning would be. I thought it would be this fun exciting time because  I am easy going, try not to stress, and can be creative. NOW, when any newly engaged couple ask about wedding planning I point blank tell them to elope. I know weddings are expensive and stressful but not like this! Honestly by the end of it I will owe vendors my life, kids, and limbs.  

Any couple who tries to recreate a pinterest idea make sure you have a back up! We were recently taking pictures for our Save-the Date. We think our dog is the best thing in the world, and that spoiled brat is much better to look at than Matt and I. So we decided to get creative. We originally wanted Lincoln to sit in front of us, with a bowtie and a save the date sign. That didn't exactly happen. This wack job dog is more excited about being outside playing with his ball and chasing anything that flies, than he is to sit, even for a second. Sarah, my sister was helping us recreate this Pinterest image. Holding the ball over her head trying to get him to sit for more than three seconds was quite the challenge. Sarah had helped us train him, and because we trained him in sign language (yeah, he’s kinda smart) she had no hands to tell him to wait. With his ball in one hand and the camera in the other, Lincoln did not understand why he had to sit and stay.

Donna standing there laughing/ yelling at him to sit, was minimal help. She claims Lincoln doesn't care about her. This is not true, like I said the dog is smart. He doesn’t have to give her a kiss, snuggle or pay attention to her to get food. She pretends to drop things on the floor, gives him scraps, leftovers you name it. Why would he show any affection or discipline if she doesn't ask for it. He gets what he wants without any effort.

As this 15 minute photoshoot was going on, Lincoln had taken Sarah out a good handfull of times, and lost his bow tie. Long story short we got A image for the cards and plenty of images ruined by my crazy lab.

As we keep checking things off the wedding list it is apparent wedding planning may not be as easy and stress free as I expected it to be, but we have to laugh our way through it. The good, the bad, and the ugly!

- Ash

Sacrifices....

Within the past week or so, I have REALLY tried to organize my ideas, inspirations and thoughts.  I can not stay on topic or even sit down for more than 10 minutes at a time. Imagine planning a wedding with a 5 year old drama queen who has ADHD. I often get sidetracked by the littlest things and blurt out whatever idea popped into my mind that second.

Donna, can not handle my disorganized mind and Sarah doesn't help it. We (Donna, Sarah and I) made a small step in the right direction. We organized what vendors we have and which vendors we still need. Lets just say, I have yet to make a dent in this list.

With the Holidays coming we are trying to get a chunk of the vendors booked before Thanksgiving (which is 14 days away). Team Lambert is really killing this wedding thing. We are over budget and behind schedule (typical). While we are trying to get into gear with the wedding, we(team Lambert) have managed to plan a baby shower for one of my best friends in two weeks. We booked a location, picked a menu, ordered custom invitations, decided on decor, and helped with the  registry.  We are able to make decisions for others but never ourselves. With so many options how do you know when to stop looking or know what vendor will execute exactly what we are looking for? I have mentioned this before, but its true. Price is a major factor with planning a wedding. YES, I am beyond lucky I have help from my parents and trust me I am forever grateful!  But that doesn't mean that we are not contributing. Matt and I have decent jobs and live comfortably, but we can’t come up with thousands of dollars within a day or two for a deposit on the flowers, photographer, or videographer. Its a difficult situation, and where do we cut back?

Our wedding day is a once in a lifetime event. We want to capture every moment, have photographs and videos to remember it with. But those memories come with a hefty price tag. We promised ourselves that we would not spend anything we didn’t have. I will not be paying back my wedding like I pay back Sallie Mae. That being said, do we give up capturing these moments to say within budget? The budget that we are already over, might I add. A videographer is something that I would love to have. Partially because I cry watching samples of other people’s stories/ weddings. The other because, 50 years from now I want to relive that night.

What do we do? How do we know what’s a good deal? When do we bite the bullet?  What do we sacrifice?

-Ash

 

 

“Tis far better to bite your tongue than your toes”

I may or may not be putting wedding planning on the back burner. Although we still have “plenty” of time, I realize(more than anyone) how quickly time will pass. Over the weekend I spent some Q.T. with my soon-to-be in laws where we started off antique hunting and veered off for wine and whiskey tasting on the eastern part of Long Island. Matt, was hard at work finishing his parents’ deck before the bitter barring Winter hits.

While chatting about wedding things, my soon to be sister-in-law blurted out “You better get your ass moving”  and you know what, she’s absolutely right!  I have all of these ideas and things I want to do in my head, but have yet to put them in action.


While we were in Long Island, I was given a book of articles Matt's grandmother wrote for her local newspaper in PA. This 86 year old firecracker is tech savvy, up to date with the latest Hollywood buzz, and will surely keep you on your toes!

While reading some of her articles I realized “life after retirement” and the “Senior Scene” have more similarities than you’d think. She writes about fighting for her husbands attention, because their cat gets it all which sounds familiar(thanks Lincoln).  How they dealt with new changes in their marriage, friendship, business, and a home. She touches on how to be a good Mother-in-law, how she tries to refrains from interfering with her daughter/son-in-laws choices. Although she may have to bite her tongue more than she wants to, she is determined to be a successful mother-in-law/ daughter-in-law. “Tis far better to bite your tongue than your toes”


This subject, although touchy at times, is something that we ALL will have to deal with. Marrying into a family you have certain expectations. Women are expected to cook, clean, and take care of their new husband just as their mother did. Diane, I love you more than you know, so when your son complains about his biweekly deadly disease that he has caught, from some foreign or non existent parasite, I'm sending him to you!  With all kidding aside, I am very lucky, my in laws welcome me with open arms. I truly feel comfortable telling them my honest opinion and I hope they feel the same

I have become more accepting to different traditions, foods and entertaining rituals. I (just like grandma) bite my tongue if needed and know when to put my opinion in or when I’m stepping on others toes. We have come up with great compromises for sharing holidays, visits, vacations, birthdays, and will continue to face situations, especially this year, where opinions  are likely to clash.


Although there is no manual for the “perfect” in-law I can wholeheartedly say I am lucky.

Diane, Matts beautiful mother, is the most caring person in the world. You can do no wrong in her eyes, she will help and take in any living being (human or animal). When Eminem's Marshall Mathers album came out she said “He just needs a mom, I’ll take him in”.

Alan, his father, has the same sick humor as Tiger and treats me like one of his daughters. Although I adore his entire family there is something special and different with our relationship. Yes, I am the lucky one in this situation, they get to deal with me! The bossy, loud, sloppy daughter-in-law. I take over Diane's kitchen, leave them with my dog, drink her wine, and sometimes, complain about her son. BUT, I will always cook a good meal! Matt has a wonderful, funny,  and witty family that I am lucky to be a part of. They have been dealt some crappy hands, but have shown us(me especially) that no matter what God throws at you, you can get through it together.

As a Daughter-in-law, you need to give the utmost respect to his parents, they raised him to be the person he is. REMEMBER, her son will always be her little boy, and you will NEVER replace his mom, or her pork chops.


-Ash

Don't Sweat The Small Stuff...

During this limbo period,  I have tried to organize vendors, information, referrals, and contacts as much as possible. It got me thinking… How do I know which vendor, boutique, dress, flower, colors etc. is right for our wedding?

 

Yes I have a SLIGHT advantage over most, after working in the bridal industry for about four years, you would think I would know all of the “right” vendors, have endless contacts and know exactly what I wanted…. Well I don’t.

 

Yes, I have made many contacts, I have seen endless amounts of dresses, flowers, linens, decor ideas, and photos. This has not made my decisions any easier. No matter what vendor you meet with, they will show you the best of the best, the most amazing arrangements, breath taking photos and miraculous decor. All of which will depend on your venue, budget and weather conditions (Ugh! trust me i'm asking Santa for a clear sky September 5th). I’ve learned that you can have anything you want, but it will cost you.

 

Making a decision on vendors usually comes from referrals, which are usually friends or family who have used their services in the past. It’s a decisions that you have to make on a gut feeling. They can show you the most perfect arrangement, you will fall in love with everything about it. You book the florist and dream about those flowers and that perfect color. But reality is, sometimes the flowers are unavailable that day/week at the wholesale market. The one shade of green isn't the same as that sample you saw months and months ago and it will not be at your wedding. It’s not one’s   fault, its just reality.  You can spent thousand and thousands on a florist who may not be able to produce that dreamt about bouquet. So choosing someone who gets your vision, someone who collaborates with your ideas, who YOU believe can be creative and innovative enough that you don't notice any last minute changes, or mistakes becomes a challenging task.

Although I do not live that far away from my venue site, I do find it difficult to schedule any meeting or tasting. I have tried to make all of these decisions without thinking about them too much. I can not over think any decision. If I were given too many options, I would NEVER make a decision. I have a hard enough time at the grocery store never mind a one-time life event.

 

Not all of my vendors have been chosen, and I am not sure when I will decide on the rest of them, but until it’s really crunch time, i'm going to do what feels right, hope for the best, and PRAY that they will execute my vision

 

When I was younger I danced (I was not the most graceful little girl nor could I remember the steps correctly) but my point is, no one knew. If something goes wrong on our wedding day no one other than Matt, and I (well maybe bridezilla, Donna, Sarah and a few other family members) will know. Make the best of out the situation, sweating the small stuff will take away from the bigger picture.

- Ash

WAIT... Am I An Adult?

As I embark on this journey, I've been thinking a lot about what could make me nervous, what will change, and if my life will be any different after the wedding.

This weekend I was lucky enough to attend one of the most beautiful, joyful and fun bridal showers.  Many of my college friends are married, engaged, or are in serious relationships.

While speaking about this exciting time in our lives, we discussed how crazy it was that we met 5+ years ago. It was like yesterday that we were freshman moving into Woodland, moving out of our parent’s homes for the first time, no mom or dad to get you to class, no one to cook you dinner, and no one to do your laundry because we were on our own! That year was one of the best years of my life. I met some amazing people, learned a lot about myself, and laughed uncontrollably. Where did the time go?

5ish years later, we all live on our own, pay bills, student loans, have full time careers, and are wedding planning.

Does this mean we are adults?

 

During this conversation a college friend (who got married earlier this month) said the only thing that had her nervous the day of her wedding was the reality of it. Were we old enough and mature enough to be married?

 

I remember being my sisters age looking up to my cousin(yeah you Linds), thinking how cool it was to be engaged, to get married,  and to buy a house. They must be so responsible and financially stable. I thought of her as an adult.

Does this mean my sister, cousins and their friends look at me that same way?

I may still be on a SMALL part of Tigers pay roll, but besides that, I pay for everything myself. That small part still keeps me a kid right?

I still try and sneak, and by sneak I mean drunkenly break into my sister’s room to sleep in her bed. She yells, kicks me off of her bed and tells me "go sleep with your husband". I wake up in the morning to, hear about my actions. ( this happened... last week)  Adults don't do that ( if I keep doing this I'll never be a fit adult). 

 

Although I have an  job, a dog, and a fiancé. I pay my bills (yeah, you too Sallie Mae),  have a car, and up keep my home. I do not feel like I am an  adult.

After thinking long and hard about this I have come up with a definition, the day that I am officially be an adult.... The day I DO NOT wake up at my parent’s house Christmas morning.

Really, think about it. The morning I do not wake up there will be the morning that I’ll be responsible for Santa. I'll be making my house, a home. I'll be making memories of my own, not being a part of someone else's. I will be responsible enough to be an adult. But until then Donna and Tiger have to keep my room, keep me on pay roll, and of course still treat me as their little girl. Married or not!
- Ash