and while you're at it, my laundry is to your left.

it just goes to show you, worry is useless.
well, or maybe it just goes to show you, worry gets you things.

my weekend was filled with the easiest houseguests ever. my soon-to-be sister-in-law (who reads our friends' blogs as eagerly as i do waiting for a covert mention like in the society pages of a small-town newspaper: "mr. and mrs. albert johnson were seen playing cards at the home of edwin krieger last evening...") and her college friends descended on chicago for a weekend of reuniting and bridesmaid dress shopping. since i haven't seen her friends since college, i wasn't sure what they would be like or what we would do to entertain ourselves, since my knowledge of chicago nightlife is largely based on places where i can get pbr for $2.50 or less. perhaps just a touch classier? i thought, and wondered how a non-classy girl like me could pull this off. but my fears were unfounded - a fun relaxing weekend included the chocolate bar at the peninsula, gourmet pizza at my favorite wine bar, painless dress shopping culminating in a selection that looked good on everyone, delicious family-style italian dinner, lunch and witty conversation with my bro's best man and his s.o., a dancing hamster in a chicken suit (you know, typical wedding tradition). but the best part isn't really in those details... not only were there no disagreements, but i had to do so little as host that i'm fairly sure i was unnecessary. m was the dress decision-maker and shopping limiter (yay!), s was the professional style consultant, a was so good with logistics for a girl not from chicago i think i could have just let her drive and see where we ended up. they did my dishes, told me funny stories, verbalized happiness about being, well, anywhere...

for anyone out there who is considering a wedding and having bridesmaid issues, i think maybe you should just hire these.