Can I have cupcakes instead of a wedding cake?

Hello readers,
Well, let's see. Where should I start? I guess most of you already know that Mike and I got engaged. Woohoo! We're planning a trip at the end of February to check out some wedding venues in New Orleans. Woohoo! That's also my birthday weekend. Woohoo!

Back in reality land, going back to work after a long break sucks. Especially when all I can think about is how awesome it's going to be to get married in New Orleans and then having a mini-freakout about how much planning this actually entails and then worrying about everything already being booked solid through the end of the year.

It's funny that all of my Southern friends and family have no issue with us getting married at the earliest 8 months after getting engaged, but all of the Chicagoans seem to think anything less than 2 years is outrageous. Of course, then there's all the folks who instead of giving me congratulations pipe out what day I cannot have my wedding due to their schedule. Geez. I see the appeal in eloping even more so now.

In other news, it's warm here. Seriously. It was like 4 degrees last week and today it is 63. That, is awesome.