Frema Had A Gun

That's a lie; Luke was actually declared Master of the Barcode Scanner here on Saturday night while we spent THREE HOURS moseying down aisles of bedding, kitchenware, and household appliances. Like those towels? Beep! went the gun. Can't decide on a dish pattern? Then Beep! Beep!, because would it really be so horrible to own multiple dish patterns? Between the two of us we already have four: White, Plastic Wal-Mart Tropical Paradise, The Ones With Rust On the Edges From Drying Under The Pots, and That One Brown Plate My Mom Got From The Thrift Store.

I've always had mixed feelings about registries and bridal showers. While I enjoy participating in them for others, I didn't think Luke and I necessarily qualified, as the whole point is to help a couple join their lives together, and we already did that in September. We have a plethora of bedding and kitchenware and household appliances. Never mind what kind of shape they're in (see our dishes), but we have them, so the only reason to register would be to get new bedding and new kitchenware and new household appliances, and how greedy is that? When I started sharing these ideas, though, I thought my family and friends would go into cardiac arrest. I heard everything from "But you deserve a shower!" to "If you don't register, people won't get you anything at all!" I don't completely buy into either of those sentiments but finally decided that OK, we can have a shower, and fine, we'll register, and if anyone is offended by our actions, nobody's pointing a barcode scanner at their heads. They can RSVP with a big fat "no."

As we oohed and aahed over photo albums and vaccuum cleaners and syrup dispensers, I remembered another reason to be wary of registering: the possibility of getting emotionally attached to our wish list. Before we went in, Luke and I had no idea what we wanted. By the end of the night, I was feening for "our" red, white, and blue country-style quilt, matching luggage set, and ultra-savvy coffee pot. (And I don't even drink coffee; it was that cool, people.) It's hard not to think about what you might get when people come out of the woodwork firing questions like "Where are you registered?" and "What do you need?" And every time, I can't help but think that really, we don't need anything, but it sure is touching to see how much loved ones want to help you prepare for your new life. That's something you just can't register for.

In other news, the last few days have been chock full of other accomplishments as well. We completed our tax returns, found a way to pay my almost seven-hundred-dollar car insurance premium in cash, discovered there was no mold in my bahsketti container*, and caught up on three episodes of All My Children (apparently I have the will power of an Elmer's Glue stick). We also took stock of our wedding finances and realized that almost half of The Big Day is paid in full. If that doesn't put a little kick in your step, I don't know what would.

* I still threw the container away, though, because eeew.

Comments

[verniciousknids]

Frema, how can you survive without coffee?!

I would've thrown the container away too :p

[PaintingChef]

You are a better wedding register-er than I was. I went back WITHOUT Patrick and added the things that he'd previously vetoed. See, we did the whole HUGE wedding, lots of showers, what are we going to do with all this stuff, who in their right mind needs three punch bowls, why can't people include gift receipts and FOR THE LOVE OF GOD WHEN AM I GOING TO FINISH WRITING THANK YOU NOTES and I actually had to go back and register for more things twice because every single thing on our registry was bought and it caused my mother to have lots of anxiety. But seriously? Three punch bowls? Never taken a single one of them out of the box.

[butterflygirl]

You deserve to register for your bridal shower.

Just wait until you get to register for baby things-so much more fun!

I think you guys are doing great with the whole finance thing!

[Hilary]

"How greedy is that?"
I don't think it's greedy at all. Everyone else gets NEW stuff...why shouldn't you?
How wonderful is that little gun AND it being the Target gun at that! Ahhh, good times...good times.

[Number Twelve]

Yay for Frema & Luke... and RNW doesn't know it, but my whole trip to Massachusetts thing was a ruse (put on by her Mom) to convince her to register as well. And you go ahead and tell the Internet which items you're in love with... we're listening. :)

And, I second Bflygrl impressive you are with the finances. Suze would be proud.

[Lost a Sock]

I knew you'd have a good time registering. I'll try to buy you each thing at least once, maybe twice. Or maybe not. I still hope you get everything on there! And as everyone else said, why wouldn't you deserve fun NEW things (with no rust stains)??

[Luke]

Well, the Frema head I tried to scan several times probably won't show up on the list, but kudos to anyone who can find the joke items on the registry.

[Dad, the chemistry teacher]

Wow, you young people really have the energy to do that work. I took two trips to the store to get the love of my life a paper cup holder. It is pretty cool in that it will hold both 3 oz and 5 oz cups.

[Sambo V.]

I'm glad that you had fun registering! Even though you're not going to get everything you registered for, Target is SO COOL that they'll give you a discount on registry items for a little while after your registry is complete.

P.S. You and Luke are the LEAST greedy people I know. I'm glad that you were able to pick out some new goodies! ;) I love you sister.

[saaant]

don't feel bad about launching the bahsketti container-- you registerred for new tupperware, right?;)

[mom, the science teacher]

... the whole world's come undone.

Three punch bowls might be useful if you were to have a very big party. Dad, the chemistry teacher,and I received 3 silver-plated celery dishes with feet. Needless to say, all three went back to the store. Who needs silver celery dishes when you are eating P and J sandwiches, tube steaks, and grilled cheese for your meals?

I am sure though that all of Luke and Frema's shower/wedding gifts will be either practical or fun or maybe even fun as well practical

[Tommy]

Never regret the registry. Your humble sensibilities make you feel bad, but it makes everyone happy. You get what you want. And your friends/family are happy that they can get you things that you want. See, everyone wins.


Now, that doesn't mean I'll be buying things off the registry however...

Hmm..I do think you two could use a package of c-clamps, or a an automatic onion peeler is always nice. OR perhaps some circus peanuts....

[Anonymous]

I don't completely buy into either of those sentiments but finally decided that OK, we can have a shower, and fine, we'll register, and if anyone is offended by our actions, nobody's pointing a barcode scanner at their heads. They can RSVP with a big fat "no."

another joke????