OK, the adult-only reception issues aside, I have found a new obsession thanks to Michael.

So, we registered at Marshall Fields, Crate & Barrel and Bed Bath & Beyond a few weeks ago.

Remember, just like the remote at home I never got the scanner? Anyway, Michael phoned me last week to tell me he had checked our registries online and laundry listed the items already ìfulfilledî on our wish lists.

I was surprised Michael was the one to think of this first. Before he suggested it, I never would have thought to check our registries.

In my heart of hearts, I know it is cheating. But, at the same time I know all the things we will receive because we chose them.

My friends helped allay my guilt by offering that at least the registries donít allow me to know who purchased what, just what has been purchased.

Whatever my reservations were about the whole thing, I decided to do some checking for myself.

And, thus began my obsession.

I check the registries everyday now; I have done it two and three time during a single day. Most recently, I did it just a few minutes ago; justifying to myself that I checked it in the interest of researching my column.

A great shock to both Michael and me was the fact that someone actually purchased a set of our sterling silver. Thatís four pieces of silverware; a fork, salad fork, spoon and knife for $160.

Today, I discovered someone else purchased our KitchenAid 5 Quart Artisan Stand Mixer. Retail price: $249.99.

It continues to amaze me that anyone would spend that much money on me.

You might ask why I registered for such an expensive item if I didnít actually think someone would purchase it. I guess I registered with few or no expectations.

I think this will help when we actually go to our first shower (itís next week, by they way) and I open gifts I already know have been purchased. I still can act surprised even if itís only because I canít get over the fact that someone actually forked over the $250 on our behalf.

I digress. Back to my obsession.

So, I check the registries all the time. And, having three actually keeps me busy for a good fifteen minutes each check.

However, when I grow bored with checking my own registries Iíve actually sunk to the low of checking other peopleís registries.

And, not just anyoneís registry, but other Sara Dolans.

You see, when I type in my own name to check mine, inevitably there are other Sara Dolans getting married who come up as a result of my query.

I began checking their registries sometime late last week.

I check them to see what they are registered for and what their wedding invitees have bought them. Itís my own little attempt to gauge how much they are adored versus how much our guests adore Michael and I.

I have even begun critiquing their selection. For instance, why is Sara Dolan from Georgia registered for 28 bath towels?

I understand the need to have enough towels so you always have clean ones without doing laundry every two days, but 28?

Where does she think she is going to store all these towels when she isnít using them? She must have a linen closet to beat all linen closets.

Anyway, you see the pathetic loserdom I have fallen into. The wedding really just needs to get here and then be over with.

Those people who said the last three months were the worst really werenít kidding. I feel like I barely know myself anymore.