Marth Stewart Weddings: They're Here! They're Queer! It's About Damn Time!

While on a shopping extravaganza today (hooray groceries!), I made sure to pick up the latest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings. Let this be known: I am not a Martha Stewart kind of girl (unless it's her SNL Topless Christmas Special, that is); however, when I read this post (about a gay marriage featured in the magazine) on 100 Layer Cake, I put the magazine on my shopping list.
Jay and I consider ourselves gay rights allies, and as I've thought about this wedding, part of me has always felt a little guilty. We each have several friends who identify as LGBT, and we're incredibly close to a few gay couples.
It makes me so happy and excited to see a mainstream wedding publication celebrate all kinds of love. And since I live in a capitalist society, the easiest way to support Martha Stewart in this decision is to shell out $5.95 for the magazine. Jeremy and Andrew's wedding is featured on page 98 and absolutely beautiful. I love that they had a best dog in their wedding party--and dressed him in his own seersucker suit!

Happy 2010!

So, it seems that I have a touch of post-New Year's Eve insomnia. Jay and I survived Christmas with our families--a bit more intense on his side because almost all his Welch relatives were in town for Sef's christening. I was so glad to see (nearly) all his aunts and uncles again. The last time they were all in town was for Rus and Heidi's wedding.

There was a noticeable trend in the gifts I received this year: Time to Buy a Hope Chest. Jay's grandparents gave us a set of pillow cases and my grandmother gave me a set of mixing bowls. I'm actually beyond excited about the bowls. My roommate and I do a lot of cooking and baking, and it's become clear that we need more than one set of bowls--and since they were a Christmas gift and not a wedding one, I can use them right now!

One of Jay's coworkers gave him an electronic counting jar, which I have commandeered for wedding savings purposes. As a kid, I was always amazed by how much spare change I had laying around. I was able to make a major donation to the Relay for Life one year using only change from around my house. So now, I'm applying that experience to our wedding savings. So far, we have almost fifteen whole dollars in the jar!

This year, Jay and I have had a low-key New Year in Athens. We went out to dinner at my favorite Indian restaurant, but have been in our pajamas since ten o'clock New Year's Eve. My roommates won't be back for a few days, so we've taken the opportunity to have some quiet before winter classes begin.

Resolution-wise, Jay is taking his usual route: in January, he resolves to give something up for Lent. On Ash Wednesday, he gives up his New Year's resolution.

This year, I've decided to be a little selfish in my resolutions. I tend to take care of everyone else and let my needs get pushed to the back burner. Last fall, I found myself completely burned out. So, I'm resolving to get more sleep and journal, as well as keep all my doctor's appointments. Also, because I'm vain and there will be many pictures taken of me when Jay proposes, I'm going to try to tone up before the spring. I know it's only a day into 2010, but I have high hopes for this year.