Jade Walker's comments

An Environmentally Friendly Wedding - Blog Entry

02 Aug 2008 12:51 PM

Other easy ways to make a wedding more green include:

* buying food and plants from local sources * opt for food and plants that are in season * wear a "pre-owned" dress * keep it small and simple (don't make guests drive/fly long distances) * purchase carbon offsets for honeymoon travel * add earth-friendly items to your wedding registry * opt for antique rings rather than new ones * hire a digital photographer * use cutlery and crockery instead of disposable ones * choose acoustic musicians * rent hybrid vehicles *

Marry Now, Celebrate Later, Save Money and Your Marriage? - Blog Entry

02 Aug 2008 12:21 AM

You're absolutely right, Court. My beau and I are far more interested in having a huge honeymoon than throwing a lavish party. As for the wedding ceremony itself, we're planning on getting hitched in a picturesque Vermont cemetery in front of our closest friends. We'll treat everyone to a lovely dinner and then we're off to see the world.

I personally don't mind if couples want to spend thousands on their nuptials. I just worry when these folks go deeply into debt to do so.

Funeral Arrangements: Loyalty to Dead Wife or New Wife? - Blog Entry

31 Jul 2008 08:23 AM

Death is an ending. What happens to the body afterwards doesn't show devotion. It simply decays. If you want to be cremated, you should be. It is your body and thus your wishes. And if your DH wants to be buried, he ought to put those intentions in writing.

As for what happens after death...each person's views are different. I believe the body is simply a receptacle for the soul. The soul endures so long as someone remembers you. So the question you ought to ask yourself isn't how shall I be disposed of...but how will I be remembered?

I love couples who buy park benches and engrave them. Or plant trees, so that the circle of life continues. Obviously I love a well-written obituary. And while I'm also a big fan of cemeteries, I'd never want to be buried in one. Once I'm dead, dispose of my body in an efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly way. I should not be allowed to take up valuable real estate when I can't even enjoy it.

If I outlive my beau, he will find a way to remember me without visiting a plot. And if I outlive him...it won't be for very long.

Dilemmas: Friends and Inappropriate Behaviors, Part 2 - Blog Entry

30 Jul 2008 04:21 PM

Years ago, my best friend's boyfriend hit on me. After kneeing him in the nuts, I explained to my best friend why I did so. She knew I wouldn't have behaved that way without a good reason, and took me at my word. He never bothered me again. And she and I remained close until her death.

If your friends know you, truly know you, they'll believe you. Or at least accept what you're saying as true and deal with the situation.

"The Baby Borrowers" Shows How Children Affect Marriages - Blog Entry

29 Jul 2008 06:04 PM

I have the same reaction while watching "Jon and Kate Plus 8" on TLC (http://tlc.discovery.com/tv/jon-and-kate/jon-and-kate.html). For those who've never seen the show, Jon and Kate had a set of twin girls. They decided to have one more kid, and opted for IVF. Instead of one, they ended up having six kids, three girls and three boys.

Picture that for a moment. Eight children, two sets of multiples. It boggles the mind.

I really think every couple in America ought to watch this show. For people like me, who are blessedly child-free, "Jon and Kate" reminds us EXACTLY why we don't want to have kids. For couples who are thinking of becoming breeders, the show reminds them that having one baby is a helluva lot easier than having six.

Latin America vs. Europe Dispute Resolved - Blog Entry

26 Jul 2008 05:51 AM

Have a great time in Alaska! (Take lots of pictures. *smile*)

The Curious Case of Sister-Wives - Blog Entry

22 Jul 2008 10:53 AM

I have no problem with polygamy or polyamory, so long as the participants are consenting adults. Marrying off children and/or impregnating them? That's when my red flags fly.

Family Matters: Marriage Thicker Than Blood? - Blog Entry

14 Jul 2008 06:54 PM

I once read a beautiful wedding vow in a novel by Diana Gabaldon:

"Ye are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone. I give ye my Body, that we Two might be One. I give ye my Spirit, 'til our Life shall be Done."

If you're willing to marry someone, and spend the rest of your life with him/her, that should be the kind of oath you make. So of course the spouse would win out over any family objections.

To Replace an Engagement Ring or Not, That is the Question - Blog Entry

13 Jul 2008 05:56 PM

I'm really shocked by his reaction. Accidents happen, and this one clearly upset you. Why be angry at you for something that was not in your control? It's not as if you purposed tossed the diamond the drain or out the window.

My favorite thing about this blog is the way it uses real life situations to discuss bigger issues. When I read your original missing ring post, I immediately turned to my beau and posed the same situation to him. "What would be your reactions?" I asked. "Crap," was his first response. "Crap," was his second response. "Would you get angry at me?" I asked. He just laughed. "Of course not," he said. "Would you think it was an example of a larger problem in our marriage?" That just cracked him up again. "Are you kidding???"

You knew exactly how Wayne would react, which isn't surprising since you've been together so long. But why was he angry at you over an accident? And if the situation was reversed, would you have reacted the same way? If so, that's something you two might want to discuss.

As for whether to replace the engagement ring, it's up to you. If money is tight, replacing the diamond can wait. Or perhaps you could buy the replacement. Once your next book is published, use the advance for that. Doing so would get you a new gem and show Wayne how important it is for you.

He Stepped Up When It Mattered Most, Part 2 - Blog Entry

09 Jul 2008 07:53 AM

Year ago, I wrote a list of all the qualities and characteristics I wanted "the one" to possess. It had the usual items: intelligent, romantic, ambitious, independent, honest, faithful, funny, etc. But I forgot one that is vital to a lasting relationship.

Understanding.

If you plan to spend your life with someone, I highly recommend finding a partner who has this quality in spades. I also encourage everyone to develop it as well.

You have found an understanding mate in Wayne, and I'm glad for that. He was there when you needed him most. (I'm also happy you're back!)