Я улыбаться перестала, Морозный ветер губы студит, Одной надеждой меньше стало, Одною песней больше будет. И эту песню я невольно Отдам на смех и поруганье, Затем, что нестерпимо больно Душе любовное молчанье. ___________ i'm in a good mood, honestly; i just love that poem. it is officially the third year that michael and i have been together. i'm not entirely sure what we'll be doing, though he mentioned a desire to go somewhere nice. i'll let you know how it goes. (= i have been very much into learning more and more about the holocaust aspect of WWII lately. i'd decided to watch 'the diary of anne frank' one night on a whim, but it's been a strong phase for a solid month so far and showing no signs of stopping. it also seems as though, every time i turn on the television set, there's another holocaust-related program on. i feel i could well stand to benefit from this all, anyway. michael and i talked a bit about what to do regarding the move. should we bring it all with and go through it once it's there? should we get rid of things as we pack? &c. i despise moving with the fire of a million 'cusploding' stars. i don't mind cleaning here or there, but when it has to be 'pick up everything and move it,' i get incredibly discouraged. as it were, we're thinking it will be a mix of the options. we'll have bags on hand for goodwill, and we'll go through the rest when we've relocated. i hope we get it clean in a timely fashion, though, as i really want to take photos. it is lovely, even if a bit small. we looked into plane tickets and are finding them a bit expensive yet. we're still going to monitor the prices, though i've a feeling it'll be in our best interest to buy when it's closer to our departure. we're thinking of going round the 16th or so of april and returning a month afterward. my 25th birthday is the 19th, so we're aiming to be in france on or shortly after that date. as for the wedding, i'm feeling slightly less frazzled by it. mum said i've only to pay for my dress and michael's ring; her and dad would fund almost all the rest, save for whatever bits mike's parents would care to pick up. dresses and rings are by no means cheap, but it's better than worrying about a million other expenses in addition. i will pay for more if able, but we'll see what happens with europe. well, it's about time i be hittin' the ol' dusty trail. have a great week. (=