have kindly sponsored

The big upset for England, playing Scotland in the rugby over the weekend, was a sure sign. I felt certain that I would win big as well in the battle of the wedding site. Imagine if you will that I am Scotland the underdog, reaching feebly for the wooden spoon, when suddenly I seem to come to life and fight in a frenzy of passion for my cause. That is how I felt when, following the game, after not hearing from either parental sides for a couple of weeks, everyone in my family besieged me with phone calls last night.

First came my mom - I called her. Mothers Day is not until May in American, but since it was here yesterday, I missed her and thought I would give her a ring. She was thrilled to hear from me and even though I had no news for her about the site, I was firm that I still had not decided and told her I appreciated her patience.

I should have waited to speak to her until later. Just after I got off the phone with her, my sister called me to talk the whole thing out. Then my dad followed quickly behind. He was holding all the plays. The first thing he told me was that the For Sale sign that had caused me such worry was actually for the little house right behind the building. That said, I told him I would come home and check it out again but that I was pretty certain I would just stick with it.

This will really upset my mom when she finds out. By upset I mean, she is still saying if I do not change venues that she will not invite anyone. As much as this frustrates me, I have to admit that I can not please everyone and as I have little time at home to plan, I do not want to spend it searching for a new place. Plus, I feel she had plenty of time to voice her opinion back when I was spending months trying to decide on a place. I feel frankly horrible about it, but at the same time, I feel her anxiety has little to do with the venue. It is beautiful inside and I feel really relieved that my father was so adamant on the phone that the place was fine. I foresee difficulties ahead but if my performance this weekend was any sign, than even I, the underdog, can score some points for Gareth and I.

03 April 2000,

Stacie Lewis