have kindly sponsored

My wait-and-see policy has come and went. I have not heard from my mother yet about the invites, but have I ever heard from my father and stepmom. It all started when I got a job. Yes Me! I am still a bit excited actually. I had an interview on Friday at a school in London. And to be honest, I am glad I did not get the first job because I took to this school so much better. The people there were lovely and it really had all that I was looking for.

So come September I will be gainfully employed as a secondary teacher, educating the masses, and preparing the future of Britain. I called my dad to give him the good news. And sure he was pleased but it did not take him long to change the subject and direct me to more serious issues, namely the invitations.

Before I sent the order in my stepmom had insisted on seeing the proofs. She sent me her changes; the most prominent being that her name came first on the invitations. She and my father immediately left on holiday and I could not get a hold of them. I had to put in the order and since I could not discuss it with them, I changed it back. I really I did not think it was that big of a deal. That is not exactly true. It was not a big deal to me, of course I knew it would be a big deal to them.

All I did was put my fathers name first instead of my stepmom's. My mom and stepdad are still listed on the second line, followed by Gareths parents, so that has not changed.

My father now claims he has taken the invitation around and been told by several people that it is proper etiquette to list the women first. They also say that it is not consistent to list a mans name first on one line and then a womans name on the next.

The result of their investigation is that they are considering purchasing their own invitations. You can imagine my reaction. He told me they would call this weekend with their decision.

14 June 2000

Stacie Lewis