I woke up tired this morning, after a night of worrying about J's parents and mine finally meeting at the end of this month and all the events surrounding that momentous occasion. We've decided to try and plan an engagement party - we, meaning my mother and I, who, in a particularly rowdy mood at the stationary store in Old Town, Alexandria, bought adorable party invitations on a whim, that MUST be used. Things are getting complicated, I thought. Suddenly "party" meant venue, addresses, money, and perfection and I just couldn't get it all together on my own. I shared these thoughts with J as he got ready for work. I don't want this to be stressful, I told him, I always said that. He took me in his arms, made me feel alright, and then said, "But Cara, it's only going to get worse."