Learning Curve

Every day with Subtle is a learning process. Our relationship has been a process of learning how men think (apparently they do!) and learning about my reactions. Three years of therapy later and I am learning, albeit slowly, about how I function in relationships, both romantic and otherwise. The relationship with my mother, for example, is one that is often examined in therapy. Perhaps it would be easier if we shared less genes and she was less insane. But I digress.

So Subtle are learning from each other. I am attempting to have him learn how to make a bed correctly and fold towels in the way in which I prefer them. He has successfully learnt to make me cups of tea when required, and now knows the correct parsley to buy when I ask him too.

But what have I learnt from Subtle? I have learnt two things most importantly. I have learnt that when preparing a shopping list for him, I must include absolutely everything: brand, size, colour. Despite the fact that 99% of the time he comes with me when getting groceries, he apparently has not noticed ANY of the brands etc that we buy EVERY week. The second thing I have learned from him will be invaluable for the rest of my life. To quote from Subtle:" Loosy Lefty, Tighty Righty".

The man is a wealth of knowledge.

Getting my priorities right

I fear that this blog may become some sort of a wedding journal. My apologies for that. Rest assured that I am still here, but there seems to be this Bride type creature lurking. After a long weekend of even more unpacking and cleaning up, we were able to start some work on the wedding "To Do" list. I am proud to say that two of the most important matters towards the occasion are now completed. We have booked our honeymoon - which is so far destined to consist of Subtle sitting poolside with a book or ten, and me off to cooking classes, shopping and cultural endeavours. I say it will be the best honeymoon ever! Secondly, I have made one of the most significant purchases towards my trousseau of the day. Yes people, I have my SHOES. Dress - no idea. Ceremony location - not a clue. Vows - zilch.

But, Shoes! All praise to the pretty.... and a matching handbag of course!

Lessons in Meditation required. Along with a cheap caterer!

All things are going crazy at Chez Cath and Subtle at the moment. We have moved house, to a lovely new townhouse with plenty of room for Miss Isabella and our myriad of crap*. The place has boxes aplenty which provides Isabella with hours of amusement - well minutes anyway. I am awash with stress over organising the house and with organising a wedding.

JESUS. I am getting married in less than four months! How did that happen?

*deep breaths*

One would think that having been married before, I could whip up a little marital soiree without blinking an eye. What do you need to do after all... arrange somewhere to get hitched, find somewhere to maybe swill back some booze and snacks after, a frock to where and maybe some way to tell people about it all. But no, it isn't that easy is it. Most of the time, Subtle and I are careful *not* to use the word wedding when talking to venues etc, for fear of the seeming ability of anything related to weddings to be more expensive. This is the time that one calls on favours and finds people who know people who can do things that might help. You know a celebrant? Are they cheap? I heard you bake? Want to do a cake? You know, that sort of thing.

Unfortunately, my usual level-headedness (do *not* laugh) is starting to take a sideways manouevre and the beginnings of a bride-zilla are forming. I know that I have been snappy lately to Subtle, but his usual calm, laidback, relaxed nature, is causing me some grief at the moment. I seem to have a list of things to do that should have been done (according to all the bridal magazines and organisational guides) about six months ago. And strangely he looks at me with nothing to do and his only repeated comment so far has been related to wanting taste tests of wedding cakes! If he isn't careful, I maybe placing a cake somewhere he doesn't want it!

Oh bring on marital bliss......



* Subtle might dispute that the crap is an "our".... apparently it is mostly mine.