I am so happy; wedding etiquette and more

Life throws challenges my way all the time. If it isn't something, it is something else. Ice dams building up in one of my rental properties, leaking water into a bedroom through the ceiling; not having my condo rented out yet; still having shoulder pain and not sleeping well; dealing with the issue of my prior tenant suing my homeowners association over the towing of her car; it goes on and on. But, I can handle these things! I am a super woman!!

Steve and I finalized the date and the logistics of our wedding. It will be VERY small. April 1st. Most likely the ceremony will take place in our home, with just immediate family members who are able to attend. Then we will go out to dinner to celebrate. Our two favorite restaurants are El Loro and OSaka's. I am unsure of which one we will go to. But that way, my family will be able to visit longer with me vs. everyone preparing for a reception | party that will just cause me stress. Sure, I love all my friends and would love to celebrate with them, but isn't a girl's wedding day supposed to be about HER? So what I want is no stress. I don't want to be the center of attention. I don't want to be stressed out on the happiest day of my life. So I have decided I just want it to be my immediate family only.

And, I don't want presents. But there is no proper etiquette to state that to people. Emily Post and Miss Manners agree on that. What I would love? Well, I would love everyone who wants to do something for Steve and I, to do some type of good deed -- it may be volunteering at Feed My Starving Children, or donating blood. Or helping a sick neighbor mow their lawn. Things that don't necessarily cost money. Or, if money is something that someone wants to contribute, well, contribute to one of my favorite charities (of course most of them will be about animal rescue!). Then, write in a card for Steve and I, about your experience, and how fun it was, or how it touched you. See, that would be the BEST present ever. We could make a scrapbook of all these stories of good will, and we will know that the joining of mine and Steve's life has made a difference in the world.

But, proper etiquette says that it is improper to even mention gifts or "no gifts please". Or even "in lieu of gifts..."

So, if anyone does want to donate in honor of our upcoming nuptials, MN Boxer Rescue is my animal rescue of choice. They have a donation link on their website, and in the comment section you can write "in honor of Steve and Rebecca's upcoming wedding" or something like that. Or, the American Red Cross is always looking for blood and apheresis donations. If you prefer to donate blood using a local organization, there are those, too. In the Twin Cities there is Memorial Blood Center. I am sure most metro areas have something similar. Or what about the Salvation Army? I have been a volunteer for about 7 years now, maybe 8. I see the work they do, and sometimes when the folks they serve aren't appreciative, I see the unconditional love that these people give out, even when they don't get a simple thank you from the recipients. A great organization. I continue to struggle to show that same unconditional love to everyone, no matter their circumstances or attitude. Well, at least I have something to work on!

All is well.