Last semester....

Back at school... my last semester of undergrad. It is weird to be back, and while every semester of college has had a certain rhythm and feeling, this semester feels different already. It is not at all like the senioritis of high school, in that slack-off, foot-out-the-door kind of way, but more urgent and frantic to accomplish so many last minute things. I think that means I am *gasp* growing up perhaps, or maturing even?

Still, lots to do and prepare for.
-3 dance concerts to artistic direct and choreograph for
-1 theatre production to do lighting design
-An independent study... accomanying dance classes, composing a body music suite
-Berkshire Hills Music Academy.... teaching private lessons
-2 work study jobs including tech mentor and working at the gym
-Applying for jobs for next year
-So much more I can't even remember... ah!!!

On the wedding front...

All I really need is music, flowers/table decorations, and cosmetic services for the day of! Everything else is basically done... I can't even believe it. I am a little nervous about finding music. I want a string quartet or something like that for the ceremony. Then for the cocktail hour I want some sort of jazz combo, which could expand to a small band for the reception. However, most of the quotes I have gotten for wedding bands start at $4000! I didn't want a DJ so much, as it could turn high-school-dance pretty quick. So... I am going to advertise at Berklee because I am sure there are fabulously talented students who would play for a lot less (Jenn, who just played Foxwoods, told me this was a no-brainer). I just really need to make sure whoever I get is a good MC as well, as the band leader or DJ really keeps things moving and fun. I don't want any line dances, chicken dance, country music, or really new pop or hip hop. I like the standards that everyone can dance to... Earth, Wind and Fire, Sinatra, Stevie Wonder on and on. If I wanted Top-40 I could go to a club or listen to the radio.

Phew.

The first of many...

Ok! A wedding post. The first thing I decided on was what to wear. Before anything, even the date! Below is some girl wearing my pretty dress. I knew I didn't want satin or lace, or a big full skirt, no ties up the back, no huge train... really nothing overly traditional. I tried on ten or so dresses by myself over a few weeks, and then the one time my mom comes she pulls this one out, and bam I love it. It is kind of Grecian when its on, almost, lots of super-soft chiffon flowing everywhere. While my parents are (generously) paying for the wedding, the dress was going to be the one expense I had to pay for myself. I wasn't exactly opposed to that, but then graciously Russell's grandma stepped in and insisted on buying it for me. It is kind of bittersweet as they won't be able to attend the wedding (due to medical reasons they can't leave Maui), and they are such great people.