wedding jewelry-- the pink is for the vera wang (which will be at my "fake" wedding, ETFW= July/August maybe..), and the brown is for my real wedding dress: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/phys000d/album?.dir=/7fce and dress: http://www.almuhajabat.com/products/703 I had to get different shoes-- so the Vera Wang shoes will not appear at this wedding... I will just hold on to them with the Dress and mantilla. I went shopping this afternoon before work, and grabbed a pair of nude thigh-high nylons (for the fettish guy) and then proceeded to run around stores looking for gold shoes-- what I thought would be the best. Then I saw them. Olive green, 100% silk high-heeled shoes. They have a closed back and an open toe, look very 40s-- the EXACT style I have always wanted. Ankle strap is good, keeps them stable. Over the upper is a small patch of jewels-- green and 3 shades of brown. The brown jewels are the EXACT color of the jewels in my necklace and earrings. The inner sole is pale gold, the color I was looking for in shoes-- and thus where my feet show it, it matches the whole outfit. 100%. And? They were $60. And? they only had one size left-- a NEVER WORN, NOT DIRTY, JUST OPENED WHILE I WAS STANDING THERE (yes, did i mention I watched this shoe get stocked?? I was in the mall a total of 12 minutes, and I was there just at the right time) size 6. That was the last pair. My size. I have been wearing them since 3.30 and they still feel good. Now just to think about a gold shayla. This is my temp one-- in case I do not find one I like. Scroll over the colors and select olive, you will see it change color in the picture. http://www.almuhajabat.com/products/61 I will likely wear a shayla during the contract signing. I will remove it afterwards. I plan on curling my hair I think... I may even use a few flowers in my hair. We will see what I can scare up in Irbed. My ring? He told me yesterday he is taking my prefered ring photos to a jeweler today. He spoke to the man and asked about having a ring made for me, and decided this is the best option. The stones, he said, would either be blue or pink. Because he is awesome, he realized I like pink, even though I deny it emphatically. I bought him a ring yesterday. It was poured today and should be mailed out on Monday, overnight mail. I chose titanium since he is barred from wearing gold. http://tistyle.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/1-011.jpg I chose the top ring, because it is classic and simple. The ring comes with a lifetime guarantee, and also a lifetime of free polishing. I had it inscribed. I told my parents everything. It went rather well. Although they are probably concerned... they just told me to keep them informed. I explained all my reasons, and the only concern that was voiced was the religion of the potential children. They decided, based on my reasons given, I was making the logical choice once you take out the "too-fast" part. I do not want to hear about the "too-fast" part. I know how many months and days it has been. I'll leave on Friday, November 18 on my mother's birthday. I'll come back, Nov. 28 via Amsterdam and hopefully Susanne. I cannot say what day I will get married. I have to bring my decree of divorce (proof I am single) and my passport to the Shari'a court for translation and approval with the court and the American Embassy. Then we have to get tested for "medical compatibility." Then we need to go back home to Irbed to get married in the court, ie sign the contract. Then we will have a small party. Next we have to go BACK to Amman another time to register our marriage with the Sharia court where he will get his family bo

Nick, thanks for the good wishes. In the Minneapolis area yesterday about 10 am, it was minus 11F; about 5:30 pm, it was minus 14F. Luckily, this far North, we have all our orchids inside or in a greenhouse from mid- to late October or so, so no back and forth, covering plants, etc. Non-orchid-wise, doing stuff outside can be a hassle, but the roads are always clear, except if we're in the middle of a heavy snow, when it can get slippery. On the other hand... Arkansas ice storms are dangerous. The one time in the last almost 30 years the Twin Cities had an Arkansas-type ice storm, bus service stopped, the Post Office stopped, the U of MN stopped, government offices stopped, plus all businesses - total standstill. People had been giving me grief for being a pansy weather gal from Arkansas. Hah! During the ice storm, I told them THIS is what we get several times a year in the Northern part of Arkansas, AND we have steep hills all over the place, unlike most of the Twin Cities. Their jaws dropped in proper respect, and my cred was *made.* Arkansas pansy no more! I hope you all in the more ambiguous weather zones are making it okay.

Nik, here's hoping that the least invasive procedure with the swiftest recovery time is all that's needed. But even if your condition requires a more invasive procedure, they have become commonplace today and doctors are skilled at performing it. You seem like a sensible man. Follow the best medical advice for your condition and get well quickly. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.

I also wish you and your Aussie well. I too have dog that has seizures so I am very interested to hear what you learn.......please report back. My boy started having them when he was about your dog's age...maybe a bit younger. He is 9m now. Initially they were very infequent - 6-9 months apart - and of a very short duration. But they have started to occur more often and are lasting longer. My vet is not overly concerned - apparently there is adult onset epilepsy, which could be the cause of my pup's problems. A previous vet dismissed that out of hand, saying he was too old to develop epilepsy. I am hoping that is all I need to worry about, as my vet says it is easily treated with anti-seizure medication. It's a very frightening experience to have to go through, both for you and the dog. I totally understand your concern.