We both foster a love of nature and travel, and have pledged to maintain together an active life of adventure out of doors, away from books and computer screens as much possible. Our registry at R.E.I. is available online and at your local consumer coop.

We have decided on a backpacking honeymoon through Southeast Asia, from Vietnam to Thailand via Cambodia and Laos. Unfortunately, we're not quite sure that we can get there. After the ceremony, a great deal of movement and change is on our horizon. In addition to our exciting honeymoon trek, Josh will be finished with school and we may be (hopefully!) leaving Eugene for greener, full-employment pastures. Although Colleen will still be a student, we will, unfortunately, have to start paying back student loans.

Josh's sister Jessica helped us formulate this alternative to the more traditional gift registry in order to help us through the difficult finances ahead. Donations to this account will be applied to plane tickets, moving expenses, and initial student loan payments as needed.

Down to Earth is a gardening and kitchen supplies store where Colleen buys all of the seeds and vegetables starters than Josh eventually eats. Instead of a large supply chain like William Sonoma or Bed, Bath, and Beyond, we have decided to support Down to Earth with our home and garden registry. Their registry website is a little clunky, but if you scroll down you will eventually find our names and date. We have been warned that the website is not updated regularly, but they are friendly people and they encourage you to call for assistance at (541) 342-6820.

Since Down to Earth is somewhat inconvenient for out out of town guests, we have also registered online with Sur la Table for most of our kitchen and dining needs. The registry is listed under the name "Laird" and the reference number 400699220886.

Lastly, we also have a few electronic and hardware items listed over at an Amazon.com registry.