Yes, I have been MIA. Although I haven't posted I have maybe read the boards, okay glanced is probably a better word, twice in the past month. Short and sweet recap....my son had the swine flu, work has been insanely busy (for which I am forever grateful), planning a 3 year old birthday party for October seemed to take precedence over a wedding next year (side note....kids birthday parties sure aren't what they were when I was a kid lol), friends moving away and simply life in general. We are now back on the wedding planning bus and I continue to be overwhelmed. I'm starting to think that maybe I should cut my budget because I'm still stressed about the economy. My ray of sunshine at the moment.....FI owns his own business and is part of a national trade group. It finally clicked the other day that I may be able to get a photographer, florist, entertainment on trade. I contacted our local manager and he thinks he'll be able to help. At this point...it's a huge savings so I'll take what I can get. Keep your fingers crossed on that one. My other excitement....I was checking hotel rates for a friend and realized they had lowered the rate by $10 per night of what I made reservations at. I contacted the hotel and asked if they would adjust my rate (we're staying 11 nights so that's $110 + tax). They sent me new confirmations and actually lowered our rate by $18/night. I was thrilled!Welcome to all of those I haven't welcomed yet and I look forward to hearing all about your weddings. To the oldie but goodies....I've missed you!! As for myself.....236 days doesn't seem that far away lol.