Well, it’s out.  By “it”, I mean “the word”.  The gossip.  The buzz.  It’s out.

Bryan’s not going back to Lee next year.

There are a myriad of reasons why this change is happening.  #279 is mine: I didn’t want to be a theatre widow.  But other than that, there is #849 (he doesn’t carry columbia blue so well) and #476 (the jingle of a large keyring can be a horrible distraction during.. trips to Decatur), but mainly there was #1: the department is seriously in need of some TLC, and by two people.

He’s going back to TLS, although we’re not entirely sure which department he’ll be working in.  I’ve no worries; he repeatedly hears how he ruled the rental project office, and I’ve no doubt anything he touches will immediately become golden.. just like he did with Lee.

It’s been a hard week for him, having to clean up some rough edges before heading out, having to tell the kids, and having to write a basic outline for the “new guy”.  I imagine we’ll still be up there a great deal, because now he’s a believer in the same vein that I am.. and we firmly believe in working arts in the schools.

And, God love him, he’s giving up his summer vacation and starting back June 1st, so that we can pull in some extra money this summer in preparation for upcoming events.  He’s really doing right by me.  And providing wonderful security for his family.

I’m just so incredibly proud of him.  He had an amazingly difficult year, but pulled it all off more than successfully. 

He’s a pretty good catch.  I hope he reads this, because I think sometimes he’d rather see it in print.

That used to be my “She’s up to no good” giggle.  Now, it’s just honestly titilation.  It’s just me getting excited.

Why?, you may ask.

Because, dearheart, I’m getting married.

I’ve learned why people get engaged now.  Granted, it’s to be a precursor to marriage.  Sort of a trial run. (This is starkly different from, however, taking a marraige for a test drive.  Make no mistake.) But, I’ve found, engagement is a bonding ritual between women.  Really has nothing to do with the couple.

You bring up the word “engaged”, and all women everywhere have an assload of conversation to have with you.  A complete stranger or, in my world, your dental hygeniest will suddenly have mountains of dialogue to share with you. (It helped that I couldn’t talk back, since my end of the conversation would’ve begun and ended with, “We haven’t decided that yet.”) But you mention “engaged”, and every woman everywhere is your best friend and confidante.

It’s bizarre.

But anyway, aside from that rite of passage, I’m excited about the general planning of the wedding.  I’ll admit it; I’m a bit of a planning freak.  Anything that involves list-making and organization just floats my boat.  So this.. this is a dream come true.  Sure, yeah, in the end, I get to be married to the man I love.. pshaw.. but if that were the ONLY goal, I’d just as soon go to the courthouse.  But this.. this is PARTY PLANNING 101.

And, honey, I aced that class a long time ago.

So, tomorrow night, the ladies and I and my momma are going to go laugh over dinner, and then head over to Miss Alison at David’s Bridal for some final decision making.  Lots of trying on clothes.  And, you know, probably a few pics here and there.  I can’t wait.  I so need this.  I’m ready to see things come to fruition.

Just can’t wait.