have kindly sponsored

My wedding has moved from battle, to UN negotiations, and now into the Cold War era. No alliances have been formed or treaties signed and yet somehow a deposit has been paid.

That said - which cheered me immensely - news on the deposit came none to soon, as two of my friends announced that they had bought their airplane tickets for America this week.

Now for those of you that are completely and totally confused, and I always include me in this group, let me recap by saying this is an entirely new deposit on an entirely new place. A new place which includes gorgeous vistas viewed from atop the highest point of elevation in Southeast Michigan as opposed to through broken windows, cocktails and appetisers enjoyed alongside gardens and fountains instead of flooded porches, and complete with lighting supplied by the sun and chandeliers rather than busted out lampposts.

A good thing all-around you might think so wonderful in fact that all the involved parties would join forces in cheers of celebratory glee. But alas, my family is still too involved in grappling over the tiniest details, and devising ways to thwart the others plans, that they have not had time to join in the celebrations.

Here is the scoop: my mother will only pay for specific parts of the wedding - basically her guests meals and everything pretty. My dad feels left with all the rest: a bigger price tag and paying for things that are not as obvious to the guests. My mom says she is covering her percentage of the costs which is less because she is inviting less people, so my dad decides to invite less people too therefore making it more even as he put it. As I am sure you can imagine, there is much more involved here, but of course, both sides feel completely and totally blameless. My latest coup has been to refuse not only to take sides, but also not to listen to any complaints from any of them. Easier said than done of course, but so much easier when located in a different country.

I still have yet to speak to my mom about the miracle deposit that was only revealed to me last night by my dad. Therefore, I can only assume I am bound to hear even more craziness tonight when I call her.

10 May 2000

Stacie Lewis