So I am now 20. A big girl. A whole 'nother decade. Or a score (as my past SLD reminded me). Goodness, I'm getting old... and yet... it still sounds so young.

20 sounded soooo old this whole past year when I was dreading it. Now that it's here... well, it's not all that bad!

My parents and I went to Chicago for a few days for my birthday and their anniversary, both on the 7th, and my dad's birthday, the 8th. We did some shopping, ate lots of good (and way overpriced) food, and took in pretty much the most amazing show ever, Wicked. All in all, a pretty perfect vacation.

Let me just stop here and say a little something about Wicked. I'm not like a large population of Wicked goers. I've had this thing for Oz since about the 6th grade. I own all of the original series, a few antique copies of a couple of the books, a bunch of movie posters and other memorabilia from when the film first aired, costumes, collectibles, the entire movie script, and of course, I went to the play. Don't forget about the soundtrack. So I'm an Ozian fan through and through. I bought he book Wicked when it first came out. And finally made it to see the broadway hit I heard so much about. I was a little skeptical. But it was AMAZING. They couldn't have done it better. And I still love the Winkies, my favorite. The only slight inaccuracy is the fact that the Scarecrow became the Mayor if Oz in the Wizard's stead. But that can certainly be overlooked. All in all, a great production that I wouldn't be opposed to seeing again! *

A great birthday. But one thing was missing.

Yes, now that we are one step closer to being wed, it is ever more hard being apart from Matthew. Especially after spending pretty much my whole summer only with him. It gets lonely with no friends in the area. Just work then his place then back to mine for the night. Then the whole thing over again the next morning. Yeah, I became a little co-dependent. And I don't mind a bit. I'm excited for me and him. I'm excited for our future. And I'm excited to not have to miss him ever again. For he will mine, and I will be his.

Tomorrow my mom and I are going over to the ceremony and reception cites. Getting all the information we need and then deciding about decorations and food and cakes and transportation. I think Thousand Oaks will be sadly disappointed when they learn we won't be serving any alcohol at the reception. That takes away more than half of what is their normal income from a wedding reception. (I'm guessing at least) Sorry, no alcohol at the Iveson party. All sober here. And if anyone isn't... well they can go find another party to join because my day is to be beautiful and WELL REMEMBERED by all.

Friday I'm going dress shopping with the moms and sisters. Should be fun. Hopefully they'll be open minded. So far they haven't liked any dresses I've showed them from magazine clippings or online. Well, we'll see if dresses look better on.

I have some friends to juggle in as well. It'll be a long weekend. And really, I just want to rest.

It has been disappointing though. Coming home this time was much different than any other time. But really, it's ok. I have my Matthew. And now the whole world can stand back and watch!

It will be beautiful. Have no doubt about that!