It's a long one.

....but what did you expect? We've been apart for too long!

Nevemind the fact that I've been sick and thrown on my ass for what seems like forever. Nevemind my whole house including the dog was sick. What’s important you take from this particular post is Covid is a "bleep bleep!" Use your imagination.

Let's go back a little. So, the last time we were here I was headed to Nigeria for my auntie's-sister's wedding. I had the best time. It was so great to catch up with my friends. The nostalgia was real. We all had a really good time. See all the pics from that trip on Instagram.

Upon my return both of my kids were sick and then my partner got sick and then caring for them all, I got sick. Oh and let's not forget the dog was sick too, but I don't know if he was sick or he was just feeding off our energy, lol. We're all better now but Covid is still out here Covid-ing. 🤦🏾‍♀️

I think that about catches us up, so now I can move on to why I said earlier Covid is a "bleep bleep" which, let me remind you is the important take away from this post.

Hmph, exhale. Where should I start? Let me first let you in on a lil tidbit. Since Covid, wedding vendors have added what has now become known as the Covid clause. I don't know if that's something we made up in the wedding group I'm apart of on Facebook, which is amazing by the way. My cousins keep me sane, we keep eachother sane "that's what we call eachother, cousins" lol. Anyway, I digress. The Covid clause is a real thing and it has thrown our plans for a loop!

Woosah. So, being the anal perfectionist I am, I called the venue where our engagement party would be held. I do this on a bi-weekly basis because anything and everything changes by the second in these Covid times. Also, because it's even more important to stay on top of things when you don't reside in the location where your event will be held. This is our case. We live in Florida/Atl but our engagement party is in Chicago and our wedding will be in Italy, so it's crucial to stay up-to-date and in contact with all your vendors and event establishments.

During my check-in the coordinator told me the city of Chicago has implemented a law which states all attendees must be vaccinated and businesses are required to collect covid cards along with ID's prior to the event. What??? So this means all 150 of our guests would have to be vaccinated and somehow I would have to organize them sending in their vaccination cards and ID's before the party? Who is about to do this? As she was speaking I could just see our $4500 going down the drain. And please do not let me forget to add, on the day of, to gain admission you must present your vaccination card along with identification at the door where you will be verified before entry. In addition to all of this, if you did not send your card in prior to the event you will not be allowed to enter. I'm assuming they run checks on the cards to make sure their legit. As my mind is being blown she says in a softer tone, since you are paid in full we can reschedule for a layer date with the hopes that the law will be lifted (no refunds, per contract). I replied in a comparable defeated tone, our ceremony is in September it'll be kinda pointless to have an engagement party after that. She replies oh yea, that's right...awkward silence. She then she adds their license would be at stake if they didn't follow the rules and she's very sorry for the inconvenience. 😔

Let's be clear. I'm not mad at the venue I know they have a job to do. This was not on them. As a matter of fact they removed the time restriction we are given to reschedule an event. I guess she could sense my utter disappointment, anxiety and sadness. Like I said I'm not mad at the venue but DANG you Covid! You bleep bleep!

Definitely not counting this as a loss. Natasha and I discussed it, well she discussed it while I was wallowing in self pity and sadness 😄. We have a bomb as venue we can use whenever and for whatever we in the future. (…still, rolls eyes.) 🙄

What’s that saying?

Everyone has a plan until you get hit in the mouth. ~Mike Tyson

Till next time. Later readers. 😔