I’ve been a bad NEPA bride.

Between the holiday and work and um, Farmville, I haven’t  a good blogger. But I’m growing some SWEET flowers and veggies:

We’re in a good place as far as wedding planning goes, which is why I’ve allowed myself some down time to get ready for Christmas, and just goof off. We have:

• Ceremony location
• Reception location
• Photographer
• DJ
• Wedding party

What’s next:

• arrival of engagement photos (and posting of them here!)
• finding a dress
• pinning down solutions for everyone else’s clothes

Is anyone else taking a break from wedding planning for the holidays, or even for their own sanity?

Betcha didn’t even know I was gone! That’s the magic of WordPress my friends – scheduling. Thankfully I didn’t screw it all up this time.

It was a short trip away to visit some of NEPA Groom’s family. He officially asked his brother to be our best man! Yay! Here are a few nuggets of wisdom I collected from that long weekend, just for you:

• The first indicator that you’ve hit the real South is when all the tables at Cracker Barrel have malt vinegar on them instead of ketchup.
• Always hit the potty at each rest stop. You never know when the next potty will arrive.
• If you’re engaged and you hold someone else’s baby, be prepared for a fire storm of photos. Your parenting skills are already being evaluated.
• The seats in a KIA Sorento are NOT comfortable. Don’t rent one for a 10 hour drive.
• Bring your iPod/cell phone/whatever charger.
• Forget the GPS, it doesn’t know what it’s doing half the time.
• After a while, put down the camera and just enjoy the time with your family. If you spend all your time documenting the trip, you’ll miss everything.
• Dogs + beer = WIN:

All right, humor me with this Not Wedding Related post guys. I’ve held my tongue for a week on this cause honestly, I’m not sure how I feel. I’m still not sure but I think I just need to talk it through.

NEPA Groom has been a Philadelphia Eagles fan since he was born. I’ve been a fan by association for four years, and a fan by choice for the past 1 year. Our idea of a good Sunday afternoon in the fall is as follows:

+

+

= FUN.

But with the signing of Michael Vick last week, I’m not sure how to feel any more. A lot of people are really angry and want to boycott the Eagles. I understand that, and I certainly think they are right to be upset. Other people feel he paid his time and deserves a second chance to make things right. I can kind of see that too.

What I can’t see, and I can’t stand, are people ripping each other apart for having opposing views. I’ve been watching people bicker back and forth for a week now on facebook and twitter about this, and really, guys? I have a news flash for you all – no matter what you think, he’s here. This is a shitty analogy, but I feel it’s like finding out my sister (if I had one) was dating Michael Vick. I don’t think she should, and I told her so, but she’s my family and I love her and I want to be there to either celebrate when it works out, or to help her get back on her feet when it doesn’t. Yelling and fighting with her isn’t going to help.

I am an Eagles fan. I was and will still be an Eagles fan, but I don’t support the hiring of Michael Vick. I think it was a mistake, but I would love it if he proved me wrong. He’s got a great opportunity and he could do a lot of good to stop dog fighting, if he follows through. I’m not holding my breath, but I’ll be watching. And if he doesn’t hold up his end of the bargain, then Andy Reid – get him the hell out of Philly.

*puts away the soapbox*