My baby brother is in Korea, and he sent me this video. Though I have never even been to Korea, I found myself laughing out loud. I think it applies to anyone who has lived in a foreign country.

Exciting times

I finally feel like I've gotten a few things under control. I still have a million things to do, but they are doable. My invitations came yesterday, and I'm excited about starting the process of assembling and addressing. 900 stamps are awaiting me as well.
Yesterday was an extremely productive day, and my to-do list is extremely lessened -- those phone calls just about kill me. I made two very important ones yesterday, and the phone calls are over for now.
I'm headed to Houston this weekend, with a side trip to Dallas. I haven't seen the D-man since August, and I am SO ready for this trip.

I know everyone says this, but my recent lack of blogging is due to simple busyness. I have not stopped running since I got home from Brazil almost 3 weeks ago. We have been making wedding decisions, ordering supplies, and checking off lists.

I had a panic moment today; I ordered invitations. I okayed the proof that the company sent. I am not stressed out that I am getting married; I will not rest until I have the invitations in my hands and know that everything is correct (type, size, etc). I often wonder why my life seems to invite stress. Or better yet, worry. I worry about entirely too much, entirely too much of the time. Planning seems to exacerbate that particular trait that I have -- not just for the wedding; any kind of planning will do. I'm not sure whether or not that has anything to do with the 6-month wait for my visa, with the perpetual need to send just one more document, with the feeling that there would always be one more thing to do.

I am also going through a little bit of culture shock. I have stepped into a totally different lifestyle, though I am hoping it will slow down now that we've gotten a good handle on wedding planning. I have been shopping at least 5 of the 20 days I have been home, and I feel like I am sustaining (or at least stimulating) the U.S. economy because my spending habits are so different here. Even though I'm not the one paying for the wedding, it's still a lot of money to spend, and I am having a little trouble adjusting. There always seems to be something to buy, or some bill to pay. I still have to look for a car and wonder exactly what will be best. I am still planning a wedding (and looking forward to being married). And I am still me, even in a different country.

The D-man is currently a full-time student and HATES not making any money. SO, He decided last week to apply for a job at UPS. They offer great hours for what he needs, and part-time is pretty much standard at UPS. Since he has worked there before, and they apparently loved him so much last time, they hired him and he starts on Monday. Morning. Like 3:30. Not an hour I ever see.

His hire date makes him part of the seasonal crowd with an option to return for permanent part-time in January. That means he doesn't have to take time off work to get married. Excellent, since he (like me) hates asking off. He can be done with the season and accept the permanent position (if that works out) after we get back to Houston. Our Father continues to provide everything we need as we walk towards marriage; I am so grateful.

For those of you who are not interested at all in wedding planning, please bear with me for the next few months, for that is exactly what I am doing (if you couldn't already tell). January 10 is the big day, and we have hit the ground running since I got home from Brasil.

I have been home for almost a week, and already I have gotten tons of planning done. I have been dress shopping, have picked out bridesmaid dresses, picked out invitations (and font), and I have found my dress. I ordered it yesterday and it's beautiful.

Other to-do's this week?

• Make hotel reservations for the D-man's family
• finish the guest list (kind of)
• order invitations