Bridal Shower

Hi!

So, today I had my bridal shower... it was so awesome, and fun, and just plain awesome. My friends did a great job, I'm very appreciative and impressed.

A few things to note:

1. It's kind of sad to be leaving, and now that time is kind of flying by and people are realizing more and more that we are indeed leaving, it's just hard and sad... but it's so nice to hear how happy people are for Ryan and us... and how proud they are of us and our accomplishments. I feel so blessed and just plain lucky, and thankful to have such a wonderful guy, with a great family that loves me a lot.

2. It's so nice to spend all these moments with my friends... and again, a bit sad too, bc in two months everything will be so different.

3. Gifts are cool. I don't think I've ever received as many gifts as today. Also, it's very weird to have 20 people looking at me as I open gifts.... Should I mention I'm really bad at reacting at gifts and I get shy... But, they were cool... Lots of gift certificates to bed bath and beyond (awesome), lots of money, jewelry... nightgowns... and other things that have already made me blush a lot.... But the most awesome gift (aside from cards, which rock) is having everyone there, and knowing they are there to share this joyous occasion with me. That was cool and weird at the same time... I felt comfortable being the center of attention, thanks to my friends and laughter... But I felt it the most at the time of opening gifts... again, all eyes on me. But, like I faintly whispered, the best gift was having all of those people there... it really is nice to feel loved and thought of.... Hopefully everyone felt welcome and had a good time... I did!

4. Gosh there was sooooo much food. :) I made empanadas with my mommy today, they turned out sooooo yummy! I had everyone try some (I guilted people into trying some by telling them we made them!)

5. Weddings are a big deal.

Yes, I know, I didn't discover America or anything, it's a known fact that weddings are a big deal... But, wow, I just thought that ours was going to remain simple and not a big deal. I just can't wait to be married to Ryan, not have to say goodbye, only goodnight... Sharing my life and dreams with him at a much deeper level. but like the wedding, it's like a beast... it really is. I got engulfed by it a bit on Saturday night, and it was kind of scary and emotional... I just have to remember that even everything goes wrong with the event, it will still be the most awesome perfect day of my life, because on that day I will be Mrs. (Zuccarino-)Catania and from that day forward we will lead our lives as one. and that is all that matters.

Now, about the cake... hahaha j/k

6. It's funny how my step-family is really my family. How I'm going to miss Thanksgivings at Josefa's, and I'll miss the kids (my niece and nephew) and Carmen.... and just how they're always there for me, no matter what. Which is not exactly what I can see about my extended family (not counting my parents who are ALWAYS there for me, even when I don't want them to be, haha).

7. Don't watch "The BreakUp" a month before your wedding, and the day of your Bridal Shower. Just some good advice. :P

In any case, this has been an awesome month. I'm extremely happy, blessed, touched.... and humbled at how awesome people are...

oh, one more thing:


I LOVE RYAN!!!! Yey!!!

Goodnight!

G