Janet and I just opened up the windows in the apartment, because it is currently 64F outside. This after the blizzard we got on Thursday and Friday which gave me 1.5 snow days from school and work. Sometimes I just don't understand our freaky NC weather.

***

On Wednesday morning, we drove downtown to the Register of Deeds, filled out a brief bit of paperwork, paid our $50 in cash, and walked away with a marriage license, all in less than fifteen minutes. I was astounded. I thought we'd at least have to wait a half-hour before getting up to the counter, especially since we got there around 9:30, but instead we stepped right up to the counter and did our thing. No turning back now. :)

We had to park at a deck a couple blocks away from the building, and the weather that morning was bitter and windy. Tears were streaming down my face from the cold, and my cheeks were so numb that I didn't feel them until Janet mentioned it. And whether it was from that, or from some allergic reaction I got elsewhere that morning, the left side of my face swelled up, radiating outward from my nostril. This gave me a terrible headache, and a slightly nauseous feeling, so I called in sick for work that afternoon. Thankfully, after a few hours I was feeling better and the swelling had gone down, but it was really bizarre. I still don't know what caused it.

***

I went to class Thursday morning, and midway through the lecture, I looked out the window and saw big fat snowflakes start to come down. By the time class was over, it was like a blizzard outside, and I couldn't help smiling to myself. It was damn beautiful. I had lunch at Bruegger's Bagels, and did some research in my office in the library before heading to my afternoon class, only to find when I got there that it was cancelled. So, seeing how messy things were getting and knowing how stupid NC drivers get when it snows, I caught the Wolfline to my car, then came on home. My class that night was cancelled as well, but I'd already decided I wasn't going.

On Friday, it was still snowing, and the highway patrol was telling people to stay off the roads; there had been 150 accidents in the area just since midnight. So I got to stay home again and snuggle with my lady and watch some bad daytime television. Also, at Janet's not-so-subtle hinting, I started cleaning up the home office, throwing away piles and piles of critiqued manuscripts and stacking all the shelf-less books neatly on the floor. I'm not done yet, but it's already the cleanest this room has ever been.

Yesterday, we went to the Wagner House with my parents and I showed Janet around. We made the final wedding arrangements, and also met with the florist (during the latter, I just about fell asleep). Afterward, Janet and I came back, checked the mail and saw an extra-special package from Zoran all the way from Serbia, and then took a nap. After we woke up, we headed to the mall and I found some great gifts for my best man and ushers. In the same store, I saw a gorgeous pocketwatch, and Janet bought it and got it engraved as her wedding gift to me. I'm wearing it right now. Hee!

This morning, we went over to the apt office and finally got a set of keys for Janet, so now she doesn't have to feel like I'm holding her prisoner here.

***

Over the last four days, I read two great short novels: Eastern Standard Tribe by Cory Doctorow and Big Fish by Daniel Wallace. Both fast-paced and great stories. It was interesting to see the differences in Big Fish from Tim Burton's film, of which there are quite a few; Burton added a lot of material, but I think it does a good idea of expanding on the novel. I started writing a new story that I'm hoping to get to Say... before the April deadline, though I'm also in the midst of paper-writing assignments for school.

We've been getting presents in the mail over the past week or so, and I have to say, apart from spending the rest of my life with the woman I love, this is the most fun part about getting married. Yay presents! We've already gotten some wall sconces, and a set of beautiful dishes, and the super-awesome Jenn sent a set of fun and colorful candle-holders. Jamie told us he is giving us a computer, which is incredible. I have such nice friends.

Now Reading:
The Library by Zoran Živkovic

Stories Out to Publishers:
4

Books Read This Year:
15

Zines/Chapbooks/Fiction Mags Read This Year:
4