I’m well on my way to paying off my -$9k credit card debt (Christmas, new Mac and most likely fish tank stuff!). Head down and I’m working hard on both community stuff as well as a couple of new jobs.

I know at some point I’ve got to slow the work down to plan the wedding (October this year). In retrospect I believe that I stuffed it all up. I really liked the idea of a long engagement and I convinced everyone it was a good idea a year ago (I tend to have a knack with manipulation!) but what I’d give to be already married right now!

Christina and I have thought about the budget for our wedding and minus the reception (which our parents are generously covering 50/50) we’re expecting to spend about $25-30k…and that’s all just for one day (well, there’s the honeymoon too).

The money and saving up for the wedding isn’t the only stressful part. Having a max capacity of 200-250 people means we’ve got to be tight with who we can and can’t invite. Both sides of the family could easily bring over 250 people so that means at some point we’ve got to say “no” to our parents inviting their friends and relatives just so Christina and I can bring some of our friends too.

I’ve had a couple of good friends cancel their weddings, the most recent cancellation came quite a bit after wedding invites were sent out! After catching up with both parties I learned a little more about the pressures involved, both financial as well as the question of what and who are you doing it all for.

It’s still early January but I’m feeling like time is flying. I’ve got so much on my plate right now, debts, work, The Wedding and managing everyday things which I’ve always been really shit at (health, cleaning the house, doing the washing, cooking etc!). I’m not kidding myself this time around. I know my relationship with Christina is going to be tested, but for the first time in my life I know where I want to be in the distant future and I also know what it’s going to take to get there. I’m all in!