and zack! it's magical!

All of a sudden THE weekend is here. And it got here with a boom...
So, where do I start? Maybe with last night when Shemika told me that I wouldn't have to come into work, because she was covering my Friday morning shift. Not having to get up at 6 is always magical, but today it was especially nice. The rest of the night was also fabulous considering that Project Runway is back with all its fierceness. One of the two shows (sharing its place with Top Chef) during which there is no unnecessary talking allowed in our house. For the last two years, Ben and I have been glued to the TV to follow the drama and what better advise is there when it comes to relationships than "MAKE it work!"?

However, in more personal and way more exciting news, Felix got here about a week ago and has been very understanding and especially supportive of us and all the stress that comes along with planning a wedding. He has been crafting his fingers bloody making pretty pretty paper flowers. He did get a day off, though, and went up to Chicago, which made me feel less guilty about being busy and tired.
Anyway, this morning we set up the reception space, which now looks really nice and makes it feel a little more real. We are actually getting married and all tomorrow.
There is not much left to do, other than finishing the programs, putting up some lights and figuring out where everybody is going to sit. I hope I didn't forget something big that is going to stress me out tomorrow.
So, quick recap: Felix here, not having to work, room set up.
Then the bigger part of the day started. We had our rehearsal and it still feels strange to me to be the center of attention. Especially in the way it is going to be like tomorrow. I will do my best not to laugh or cry hysterically walking down the aisle. I hope it will be okay and I won't mess up too much.
After the rehearsal we went to Betsy and Jerry's and had a great garden party BBQ. I enjoyed myself, having too many frozen strawberry daiquiris, and apparently missed a huge drama/nervousness/secret/whatchamacallit. Around 9, my mom came to me and said "I need your help" in a way too serious tone...I was worried that they got into an argument with someone or something to that degree...After going to a more quiet area she said "We had a huge surprise planned for you...Your brother was supposed to be here, but he is at least 2 hours late". And she said that with a look on her face as if his plane had just crashed. Which of course, it hadn't. But he was not where he was supposed to be. Apparently everybody knew about it and I was just oblivious to Ben stealing my phone looking for Peter's number, people calling the airline and who knows what else...everybody knew, but I was just drinking my frozen deliciousness. Since the drive from the airport is about half an hour and he was supposed to be there by 7 at the latest, 9 was somewhat worrisome.
I freaked out somewhat (overprotective and overbearing as I am) and went home to get his number, check email, yell at people, check flight plans and all the good stuff. Jerry had already found out that another plane from Cincinnati would get in around 10, so I called his phone until I finally reached him. About 30 minutes later everything was fine, his cab driver managed to find the house (well, at least the street) and I was too stunned to really grasp that he is here. I haven't seen him in something around 19 months, so it is a pretty damn great surprise, but needs some time to fully sink in. We will have breakfast tomorrow, I want to try to get him all to myself for at least an hour and then he is going to walk me down the aisle together with my mom and fly back home Sunday morning. I am ridiculously lucky to have a family like that, a brother who flies for 15 hours for one day in America, a mother and stepfather to help make it happen and friends and a soon-to-be husband who can keep a secret. And now I am adding on to this with Ben's family that has been beyond supportive and welcoming and loving. Lucky girl. Oh, yeah, let's mention Ben once more. He has been my best friend for the last five years, he has stuck with me through ups and downs, makes me laugh, and I get to wake up to him every day. Say it again: LUCKY GIRL!
What else is there to say about a once in a lifetime weekend.
Ben is out with the boys, bachelor party and stuff, and I am going to go to bed now and wake up and have breakfast with most of my family. I wish my dad and Marion could be here. I am looking forward to a phone call tomorrow.
Good times...