My adorable photographer, Margaret Sison, uploaded some 200 photos from the wedding to an online site where people can browse/order. I looked through the thumbnails when the link arrived, but it was too painful to view them larger with ye olde dial-up connection.
Enjoy perusing!
To view your pictures, please go to:
http://MaryEllenandMichael.weddingherald.com
(Let me know if the link doesn't work).
Thursday, August 31, 2006
This is my life
After bitching about yesterday's no-shows in an earlier post, the plumber surprised me by showing up 45 minutes earlier than expected today. He's going to replace our faulty toilet and the insurance the previous homeowners bought us will cover the cost.
I also believed him when he said he was coming back to finish the job today after he bought the toilet and supplies. At 7:00 pm, it seemed clear that wasn't going to happen. God only knows when or if he'll show up tomorrow or if I'll have to make another call to find out what's going on.
In other earthshattering news, I unboxed the set of Pyrex cookware, repositioned the microwave, and fell asleep on the couch with Mike shortly after 7:00 pm without cooking dinner. He's still there. I woke up after a 90 minute nap and wondered what on earth was so taxing about my day.
I also believed him when he said he was coming back to finish the job today after he bought the toilet and supplies. At 7:00 pm, it seemed clear that wasn't going to happen. God only knows when or if he'll show up tomorrow or if I'll have to make another call to find out what's going on.
In other earthshattering news, I unboxed the set of Pyrex cookware, repositioned the microwave, and fell asleep on the couch with Mike shortly after 7:00 pm without cooking dinner. He's still there. I woke up after a 90 minute nap and wondered what on earth was so taxing about my day.
Valley Standard Time?
I'm adjusting to the pace of the Rio Grande Valley. I've seen what locals call a "traffic jam." I sleep in, stay up late, forget what day it is since I don't have a job or a calendar to keep me on track. (Must be what it's like to be retired?)
I am getting frustrated with the leisurely pace when it comes to service calls. I hung out around the house yesterday waiting for the cable people and the plumber to show up. By 4:50 pm, neither had.
Mike called the cable company and found they'd cancelled the intstallation appointment--but had failed to tell us. He wrangled a bit and got us a new appointment Saturday and a couple months of free Showtime for the inconvenience.
I called the company that was supposed to send the plumber. The woman I spoke with was not the same one who had made the appointment. She said she'd call Veronica and call me right back. 90 minutes later, Veronica herself called. No, we weren't still home. She said she'd call back today to reschedule the appointment. It's 1:00 pm and nada.
The one kept appointment from yesterday: the woman who answered my Craigslist ad for free boxes. She didn't take all of them, so the second people to respond will get the rest. Go Craigslist!
I am getting frustrated with the leisurely pace when it comes to service calls. I hung out around the house yesterday waiting for the cable people and the plumber to show up. By 4:50 pm, neither had.
Mike called the cable company and found they'd cancelled the intstallation appointment--but had failed to tell us. He wrangled a bit and got us a new appointment Saturday and a couple months of free Showtime for the inconvenience.
I called the company that was supposed to send the plumber. The woman I spoke with was not the same one who had made the appointment. She said she'd call Veronica and call me right back. 90 minutes later, Veronica herself called. No, we weren't still home. She said she'd call back today to reschedule the appointment. It's 1:00 pm and nada.
The one kept appointment from yesterday: the woman who answered my Craigslist ad for free boxes. She didn't take all of them, so the second people to respond will get the rest. Go Craigslist!
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Settling in
With Angela's invaluable help, the kitchen is now usable! I'm still missing a box containing the George Foreman grill and the pepper grinder, but I'm sure they will turn up eventually.
You know what they say about all work and no play; Angela and I also did some antique shopping, visited Bed, Bath & Beyond & Target, and attempted to go to tea.
I say attempted because the antique shop/boutique/tea shop we went to didn't actually serve afternoon tea, British style like we were expecting. Sure, there was hot tea and iced tea and a selection of sandwiches and the food was tasty, but no scones, no Devon cream, no vast selection of teas.
We taked to the proprieter and turns out she'd never been to a proper afternoon tea, but she's being encouraged to roll out an afternoon tea menu by October. Since the shop also had a Help Wanted sign, I gave her my name and phone number. I haven't heard from her yet, but Angela suggested I invite her and whoever else is involved in the business over for a proper afternoon tea. And hey, I might get some gainful but undemanding employment out of the deal!
Our other big score was an antique buffet. The shop was going out of business, so everything was half off. It was marked $489, so Angela asked if they'd take $200 for it. The woman didn't even blink before saying yes, plus tax. We called Mike and headed over with the minivan to pick it up. While Mike and Angela were loading it up, I got the shopgirl down to $189 plus tax, bringing the grand total to $204.59--a steal.
During our other forays, we picked up some antique linens and cut glass bowls to place on the buffet. It really gussies up our entryway! Now we're in the market for a similar item for the dining room and an entertainment center to contain our merged collection of CDs, DVDs and videotapes.
You know what they say about all work and no play; Angela and I also did some antique shopping, visited Bed, Bath & Beyond & Target, and attempted to go to tea.
I say attempted because the antique shop/boutique/tea shop we went to didn't actually serve afternoon tea, British style like we were expecting. Sure, there was hot tea and iced tea and a selection of sandwiches and the food was tasty, but no scones, no Devon cream, no vast selection of teas.
We taked to the proprieter and turns out she'd never been to a proper afternoon tea, but she's being encouraged to roll out an afternoon tea menu by October. Since the shop also had a Help Wanted sign, I gave her my name and phone number. I haven't heard from her yet, but Angela suggested I invite her and whoever else is involved in the business over for a proper afternoon tea. And hey, I might get some gainful but undemanding employment out of the deal!
Our other big score was an antique buffet. The shop was going out of business, so everything was half off. It was marked $489, so Angela asked if they'd take $200 for it. The woman didn't even blink before saying yes, plus tax. We called Mike and headed over with the minivan to pick it up. While Mike and Angela were loading it up, I got the shopgirl down to $189 plus tax, bringing the grand total to $204.59--a steal.
During our other forays, we picked up some antique linens and cut glass bowls to place on the buffet. It really gussies up our entryway! Now we're in the market for a similar item for the dining room and an entertainment center to contain our merged collection of CDs, DVDs and videotapes.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Pokey, mon.
My patience failed yesterday while trying to upload photos from the move/roadtrip via dial-up. We're getting cable next week, so the photojournalism will have to wait until we are thus equipped.
We left LA Thursday, spent nights in La Cruces and San Antonio, and pulled up into our driveway Saturday afternoon just in time to meet the brigade of church folks who came to help unload.
After 6 weeks of rain & neglect, our yard was seriously overgrown. Didn't get before pictures. One of the fellows who helped move us ran home to get his extra lawnmower and proceeded to mow the grass/weeds down to a respectable level again.
The same fellow and his wife dropped by Sunday with a full KFC chicken dinner. We also had visits from another church couple (bearing lemons from their yard) and our home teacher who came by to return the spare keys & garage door opener. It's been a damn warm welcome so far.
They even have a stake choir which meets at the church building 2 blocks from our house. And I'm looking forward to asking all the crazy questions that only a newcomer can get away with--like why they have deacons barring the chapel doors once the sacrament song starts?
Oh, and the cat is tearing around the house (and skidding on the tile floors) like he's always lived here.
Well, there's a lot of unpacking that awaits. Must get the guestroom shipshape, as our first houseguest, Angela, arrives tomorrow. Will you be next?
We left LA Thursday, spent nights in La Cruces and San Antonio, and pulled up into our driveway Saturday afternoon just in time to meet the brigade of church folks who came to help unload.
After 6 weeks of rain & neglect, our yard was seriously overgrown. Didn't get before pictures. One of the fellows who helped move us ran home to get his extra lawnmower and proceeded to mow the grass/weeds down to a respectable level again.
The same fellow and his wife dropped by Sunday with a full KFC chicken dinner. We also had visits from another church couple (bearing lemons from their yard) and our home teacher who came by to return the spare keys & garage door opener. It's been a damn warm welcome so far.
They even have a stake choir which meets at the church building 2 blocks from our house. And I'm looking forward to asking all the crazy questions that only a newcomer can get away with--like why they have deacons barring the chapel doors once the sacrament song starts?
Oh, and the cat is tearing around the house (and skidding on the tile floors) like he's always lived here.
Well, there's a lot of unpacking that awaits. Must get the guestroom shipshape, as our first houseguest, Angela, arrives tomorrow. Will you be next?
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Digest version of events
I know, I promised to regale you with tales of the rehearsal dinner and bachelorette night out on the town and I've failed.
Perhaps it had something to do with the itinerary since the wedding, which went something like this:
--Wedding: spectacular despite the heat!
--ME's 3rd favorite part (other than marrying Mike and having such a bitchen time at the wedding) was removing the shoes. It took nearly 2 weeks for normal circulation to return to certain toes.
--2 days honeymooning at the Caltech Athenaeum (a last hurrah since my membership technically ended with my employment).
--3 days at Laguna Beach with Mike's family & his kids. The two youngest were dying to go to Magic Mountain, so we trekked to the opposite side of the LA basin to take them.
--1 night back in San Gabriel with mom & dad; we get to sleep in the same bed!
--10 days in Sedona, which did not burn down despite reports on recent wildfires. Was remarkably cooler there than in LA. Did a lot of sleeping; ventured out once a day to sightsee/forage for food/discuss whether vortexes really exist/marvel at the beauty of the red rocks. On the way back to LA, stopped to see Suzanne, Charlie, Anya the awesome flower girl, and her adorable brother, Asher.
--In LA again. Laundry, visiting, madly writing thank you cards yet still woefully behind.
--To Utah for 5 days for Sunstone. Called to late to get a room at the Sheraton; ended up in a no-tell motel on Main, complete with 4 am newspaper deliver/wake-up thwack and a syringe in the flourescent light fixture.
Sunstone itself was FUN. Very busy chairing & responding to papers and being a panelist. Bumped into several old friends from my Daily Universe days: Christopher King & Trent Ricks. Every new person we invited to join the Sunstone board did and we have some exciting new things ahead.
Once we get to Texas (sometime this weekend, god willing), I'll tell all the stories in between.
oxox ME
Perhaps it had something to do with the itinerary since the wedding, which went something like this:
--Wedding: spectacular despite the heat!
--ME's 3rd favorite part (other than marrying Mike and having such a bitchen time at the wedding) was removing the shoes. It took nearly 2 weeks for normal circulation to return to certain toes.
--2 days honeymooning at the Caltech Athenaeum (a last hurrah since my membership technically ended with my employment).
--3 days at Laguna Beach with Mike's family & his kids. The two youngest were dying to go to Magic Mountain, so we trekked to the opposite side of the LA basin to take them.
--1 night back in San Gabriel with mom & dad; we get to sleep in the same bed!
--10 days in Sedona, which did not burn down despite reports on recent wildfires. Was remarkably cooler there than in LA. Did a lot of sleeping; ventured out once a day to sightsee/forage for food/discuss whether vortexes really exist/marvel at the beauty of the red rocks. On the way back to LA, stopped to see Suzanne, Charlie, Anya the awesome flower girl, and her adorable brother, Asher.
--In LA again. Laundry, visiting, madly writing thank you cards yet still woefully behind.
--To Utah for 5 days for Sunstone. Called to late to get a room at the Sheraton; ended up in a no-tell motel on Main, complete with 4 am newspaper deliver/wake-up thwack and a syringe in the flourescent light fixture.
Sunstone itself was FUN. Very busy chairing & responding to papers and being a panelist. Bumped into several old friends from my Daily Universe days: Christopher King & Trent Ricks. Every new person we invited to join the Sunstone board did and we have some exciting new things ahead.
Once we get to Texas (sometime this weekend, god willing), I'll tell all the stories in between.
oxox ME
Friday, August 04, 2006
Moments before the ceremony...
There was Taco Bell. A little pre-ceremony sustenance thanks to Mike's sister Jill. The Taco bounty was delivered by Mike's "little" brother, Matt (the towering giant partially pictured at left). I declared I loved Matt for bringing food, which engendered some debate about who I loved more--the future groom or his food-bearing sibling. The groom won out, naturally, but Matt's food delivery cemented his place as Best Man.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
We Know Every Part By Heart
Thanks to the phenomenon of "euphoric recall," I don't remember much about Friday morning. Only that Mike and I got to Marian's house (the wedding site) considerably later than we'd anticipated and I printed out a gazillion copies of the wedding itinerary spreadsheet and forgot to hand them out.
Christine, our event coordinator (and one of my first babysitters), got a flat tire on her way to Marian's and got there later as well. And it was either Thursday or Friday morning that I discovered that the ground floor of Marian's house has no air conditioning, which threw a wrench in our plans to keep the wedding cake in the kitchen where it would stay cool. Since Saturday's temperature was predicted to be the highest all week, this was not good news.
By the time we got to Marian's Friday, Christine had tried out a few decorations and the people from Dolphin Rentals had arrived to begin setting up chairs and tables. I was too maxed out to be of any use, so Mike and Christine sent me into the guest house bedroom to take a nap while they handled things.
By the time I woke up and wandered into the yard, the set up was done and family members had started to arrive. About the same time, Marian came out of the house to announce we'd lost power. No point in flipping out. If the power's out, what can you do? Fortunately, it came back on about 20 minutes later.
My parents and Mike's sister, Kelly, and her family arrived about the same time. We put dad to work setting up the mister on the patio and found out it had issues; Sean tried to help figure it out. Kelly's sons Tyler and McKay unwrapped paper fans and brought out the ice chests, bottled water, and frozen Capri Sun.
As 6:30 pm approached, more of the wedding party began to arrive and lost members of the wedding party began calling Christine for directions. Mike went off to collect the kids and pick up groomsperson, John Blood. Janet, Brenda, Angela, and Emma arrived with flower girl baskets in tow. Leticia, leader of our string quartet, came with her viola to time the musical numbers with the wedding party's entrance & exit. Mike's brother Matt and his family arrived. Suzanne, Charlie, Anya, and Asher arrived shortly thereafter.
Once our officiant Mark Muir arrived and we had everyone in the wedding party assembled, Christine got us all in place to kick off the rehearsal. The first run through went smoothly, so we did another one just to make sure everyone knew their cues and blocking.
We did have several people suggest that by 6:30, 7:30 pm, the outside temperatures were just starting to be bearable--could we shift the wedding ceremony and reception back a couple of hours, maybe? Tempting as it was, I didn't think we could alert all the attendees in time.
After two run-throughs of the ceremony, we adjourned, rounded up everyone who needed rides and headed to the Pasadena staple, Burger Continental, for the rehearsal dinner.
We arrived just as the live music and belly dancing began. Since this post is already unbelievably long, I will report on the rehearsal dinner and bachelorette fun separately.
Christine, our event coordinator (and one of my first babysitters), got a flat tire on her way to Marian's and got there later as well. And it was either Thursday or Friday morning that I discovered that the ground floor of Marian's house has no air conditioning, which threw a wrench in our plans to keep the wedding cake in the kitchen where it would stay cool. Since Saturday's temperature was predicted to be the highest all week, this was not good news.
By the time we got to Marian's Friday, Christine had tried out a few decorations and the people from Dolphin Rentals had arrived to begin setting up chairs and tables. I was too maxed out to be of any use, so Mike and Christine sent me into the guest house bedroom to take a nap while they handled things.
By the time I woke up and wandered into the yard, the set up was done and family members had started to arrive. About the same time, Marian came out of the house to announce we'd lost power. No point in flipping out. If the power's out, what can you do? Fortunately, it came back on about 20 minutes later.
My parents and Mike's sister, Kelly, and her family arrived about the same time. We put dad to work setting up the mister on the patio and found out it had issues; Sean tried to help figure it out. Kelly's sons Tyler and McKay unwrapped paper fans and brought out the ice chests, bottled water, and frozen Capri Sun.
As 6:30 pm approached, more of the wedding party began to arrive and lost members of the wedding party began calling Christine for directions. Mike went off to collect the kids and pick up groomsperson, John Blood. Janet, Brenda, Angela, and Emma arrived with flower girl baskets in tow. Leticia, leader of our string quartet, came with her viola to time the musical numbers with the wedding party's entrance & exit. Mike's brother Matt and his family arrived. Suzanne, Charlie, Anya, and Asher arrived shortly thereafter.
Once our officiant Mark Muir arrived and we had everyone in the wedding party assembled, Christine got us all in place to kick off the rehearsal. The first run through went smoothly, so we did another one just to make sure everyone knew their cues and blocking.
We did have several people suggest that by 6:30, 7:30 pm, the outside temperatures were just starting to be bearable--could we shift the wedding ceremony and reception back a couple of hours, maybe? Tempting as it was, I didn't think we could alert all the attendees in time.
After two run-throughs of the ceremony, we adjourned, rounded up everyone who needed rides and headed to the Pasadena staple, Burger Continental, for the rehearsal dinner.
We arrived just as the live music and belly dancing began. Since this post is already unbelievably long, I will report on the rehearsal dinner and bachelorette fun separately.
In the beginning, there were pedicures
Short of posting the 4-page wedding week itinerary spreadsheet, I figure my only hope of recounting the wedding is to pick a chronological starting point.
Going with 4:00 pm July 20: mani/pedi appointments at Amadeus Spa. Enter Angela, Janet, ME, and JaneAnne. We filled up the 4 spa pedicure stations, sipped cool beverages, and had our respective technicians buff, file, and polish our nails.
Janet, who had her FIRST pedicure ever, already posted pics on her blog, DC Rush Hour (at right if the link doesn't work).
http://www.dcrushhour.blogspot.com/ The "nail art" on her big toe was homage to the running joke about butternut squash.
Thus beautified, we headed to Thai Dishes to meet Lee, the darling Poulsen girls, Brenda, Mike, and his oldest two kids for dinner. Mike was unable to rouse Brad (after he'd worked a double shift and gotten on an early flight to LA), so Nicole was the only Stevens offspring to make it to dinner. She sat next to Janet and they got talking about the time they'd each spent in Austria.
We devoured our Thai feast--coconut chicken soup, yellow & red curries, pad thai, spring rolls, and satay--and headed into Old Town proper for dessert. The mention of the local Leonidas chocolate shop was enough to get all the chocolate-lovers in the crowd moving. I SWEAR I said Leonidas was a few blocks away (maybe 5?) and Janet swears I said it was one block from the restaurant. You'd think I'd dragged everyone on Catalina Death March II, but once everyone got to the chocolate, the ire seemed to dissipate.
After chocolating ourselves, people started to peel off--Janet and Brenda to pick up sunglasses, Nicole to catch up on sleep back at the hotel, Lee & Angela to take the kids home, JaneAnne to take her pound of Leonidas (minus nibbles) back to Chez Stromberg. I dropped Mike off at the Sheraton and went home to get some shut-eye myself.
Going with 4:00 pm July 20: mani/pedi appointments at Amadeus Spa. Enter Angela, Janet, ME, and JaneAnne. We filled up the 4 spa pedicure stations, sipped cool beverages, and had our respective technicians buff, file, and polish our nails.
Janet, who had her FIRST pedicure ever, already posted pics on her blog, DC Rush Hour (at right if the link doesn't work).
http://www.dcrushhour.blogspot.com/ The "nail art" on her big toe was homage to the running joke about butternut squash.
Thus beautified, we headed to Thai Dishes to meet Lee, the darling Poulsen girls, Brenda, Mike, and his oldest two kids for dinner. Mike was unable to rouse Brad (after he'd worked a double shift and gotten on an early flight to LA), so Nicole was the only Stevens offspring to make it to dinner. She sat next to Janet and they got talking about the time they'd each spent in Austria.
We devoured our Thai feast--coconut chicken soup, yellow & red curries, pad thai, spring rolls, and satay--and headed into Old Town proper for dessert. The mention of the local Leonidas chocolate shop was enough to get all the chocolate-lovers in the crowd moving. I SWEAR I said Leonidas was a few blocks away (maybe 5?) and Janet swears I said it was one block from the restaurant. You'd think I'd dragged everyone on Catalina Death March II, but once everyone got to the chocolate, the ire seemed to dissipate.
After chocolating ourselves, people started to peel off--Janet and Brenda to pick up sunglasses, Nicole to catch up on sleep back at the hotel, Lee & Angela to take the kids home, JaneAnne to take her pound of Leonidas (minus nibbles) back to Chez Stromberg. I dropped Mike off at the Sheraton and went home to get some shut-eye myself.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Babes in Heat
The WHOLE wedding rundown will eventually appear here. For now, please enjoy this photo of the bride and the largest assembly of Scary Feminists from Hell ever--six out of nine. Clockwise from left: Sylvia, Lara, JaneAnne, Robyn, Janet, and ME.
If we look especially glowy, it was due to the record high temperature of 112.5 degrees.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Karma & the fired photographer
Backstory: Wrote a polite letter to fire the photographer because three weeks before the wedding, they couldn't tell me which employees they were sending.
Also asked for my non-refundable deposit back.
Update: Today received polite letter from fired photography studio 1) thanking me for my candid letter, 2) expressing regret that my experience with them was not more positive, and 3) refunding half of my non-refundable deposit!
YAY!! I can SO find a way to spend the extra $200.
Now, if we can just finish up the items on the 4-page-long wedding itinerary and find a vintage car to take us from reception to hotel, we'll be ahead of the game!
Also asked for my non-refundable deposit back.
Update: Today received polite letter from fired photography studio 1) thanking me for my candid letter, 2) expressing regret that my experience with them was not more positive, and 3) refunding half of my non-refundable deposit!
YAY!! I can SO find a way to spend the extra $200.
Now, if we can just finish up the items on the 4-page-long wedding itinerary and find a vintage car to take us from reception to hotel, we'll be ahead of the game!
Friday, July 14, 2006
We So Horny
The hats I mentioned in the previous post. By popular demand, they made an appearance at the last bridal shower (with church ladies & neighbors) and have been requested for an encore at the rehearsal dinner. My hat has daisies on the brim and horns, too, though they aren't as visible in this picture. My former colleagues are a creative bunch!
Why so silent?
Probably has something to do with the wedding being 8 days away and me having almost literally a million errands and details to take care of.
It's late, so I'll be brief:
--Work colleagues threw a lovely luncheon/send-off, complete with good food, good company and live entertainment. (My successor led everyone in singing "Deep in the Heart of Texas" with lyrics re-written to be about my life and the changes ahead). Oh, and there were HATS. Will post photo separately since Blogger mucks up the spacing.
--Last day at work was also my birthday, which took a back seat to all the other preparations. Mike took me out for Thai food and surprised me with Martinelli's, lovely gifts and a movie. Saturday night, we enjoyed a salmon dinner at Lee & Angela's. Got to play with the kids and see Chris, Kirsten & Skye, who stopped by too. We also worked on putting the wedding ceremony program together, though our information was (and is [grr!]) incomplete.
--On the way home, I had what will probably be remembered as wedding meltdown #2, during which I raged loudly about how I can't cross an incomplete task off my list. Even though we made progress on the program, I was unsatisfied believe my exact words were, "If it's not 100% done, then it's NOT DONE!"
--Mike quoted my meltdown moment during birthday dinner with mom, dad, brother John and Christina Sunday night. When HE said it, it sounded so unreasonable...
--Alas, one of my cousins won't be making it to the wedding. I made the unfortunate mistake of scheduling our wedding one week before his employer, Kurt Bush the NASCAR driver, is getting married. (Could have been worse; think of the poor brides scheduled against Star Jones' product placement wedding).
--Got an interestingly timed email from an estranged friend, inquiring about how I'm doing. I invited her parents to the reception so I suspect she's heard about the wedding from them. I agonized over whether to invite her, but ultimately decided against. She'd been critical of me and Mike from the start; not the vibe I want at the wedding. Asking "how are you?" isn't enough of an olive branch after a year's worth of nastiness.
--Gave a talk in church Sunday re: my time in the Pasadena Ward and what I've learned from being a part of it. Gave context--where I was when I came into the ward, my "spiritual growth spurt" while I've been there, and where I'm going. Discussed my top 5 demonstrations of Christ's teaching enacted/embodied by people in the ward. The bishopric guy wisely scheduled me as the final speaker. Had some weird hissing/feedback from the microphone at the start of my talk--even after they turned it all the way off. Got a lot of positive comments afterward on my remarks and for handling the technical difficulties so well.
--I hereby repent of my past transgressions of not RSVPing to other people's weddings. I guess I should have seen that coming, eh karma?
Will try to write more leading up to the Big Day, but make no promises. Must. Sleep. Now.
It's late, so I'll be brief:
--Work colleagues threw a lovely luncheon/send-off, complete with good food, good company and live entertainment. (My successor led everyone in singing "Deep in the Heart of Texas" with lyrics re-written to be about my life and the changes ahead). Oh, and there were HATS. Will post photo separately since Blogger mucks up the spacing.
--Last day at work was also my birthday, which took a back seat to all the other preparations. Mike took me out for Thai food and surprised me with Martinelli's, lovely gifts and a movie. Saturday night, we enjoyed a salmon dinner at Lee & Angela's. Got to play with the kids and see Chris, Kirsten & Skye, who stopped by too. We also worked on putting the wedding ceremony program together, though our information was (and is [grr!]) incomplete.
--On the way home, I had what will probably be remembered as wedding meltdown #2, during which I raged loudly about how I can't cross an incomplete task off my list. Even though we made progress on the program, I was unsatisfied believe my exact words were, "If it's not 100% done, then it's NOT DONE!"
--Mike quoted my meltdown moment during birthday dinner with mom, dad, brother John and Christina Sunday night. When HE said it, it sounded so unreasonable...
--Alas, one of my cousins won't be making it to the wedding. I made the unfortunate mistake of scheduling our wedding one week before his employer, Kurt Bush the NASCAR driver, is getting married. (Could have been worse; think of the poor brides scheduled against Star Jones' product placement wedding).
--Got an interestingly timed email from an estranged friend, inquiring about how I'm doing. I invited her parents to the reception so I suspect she's heard about the wedding from them. I agonized over whether to invite her, but ultimately decided against. She'd been critical of me and Mike from the start; not the vibe I want at the wedding. Asking "how are you?" isn't enough of an olive branch after a year's worth of nastiness.
--Gave a talk in church Sunday re: my time in the Pasadena Ward and what I've learned from being a part of it. Gave context--where I was when I came into the ward, my "spiritual growth spurt" while I've been there, and where I'm going. Discussed my top 5 demonstrations of Christ's teaching enacted/embodied by people in the ward. The bishopric guy wisely scheduled me as the final speaker. Had some weird hissing/feedback from the microphone at the start of my talk--even after they turned it all the way off. Got a lot of positive comments afterward on my remarks and for handling the technical difficulties so well.
--I hereby repent of my past transgressions of not RSVPing to other people's weddings. I guess I should have seen that coming, eh karma?
Will try to write more leading up to the Big Day, but make no promises. Must. Sleep. Now.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Let the waterworks begin!
Aaron, the guapo recycle guy, stopped in my office today to say goodbye. He mock-tearfully said "You'll always be the one who got away," referring to his mistimed attempt to ask me out after he stopped dating a friend of mine. (I declined because I wanted to stay friends with her). Soon enough, he recovered enough to marry someone else and continued to tease me about my love life.
On his way out, Aaron saw Jose, the young, friendly guy who used to empty the trash in our building. A while ago, they put the housekeeping staff on night shift, so I didn't see Jose very often. Aaron told him I was leaving, so Jose came up to say goodbye as well.
And dammit, I got all misty after Jose left. Not because we were the closest friends, but because of all the cumulative pleasantness and goodwill I've felt from the people here, whether they've been on my team or just said Hi when they've emptied my trash can.
I got a call from our section secretary today. She's out on medical leave and won't be back before I leave. She'd heard the good news (and she LOVED Mike when I brought him to work last year) and wanted to wish us well. I did likewise and hope she continues to kick cancer's ass.
I said goodbye to Wesley last week, who was one of my favorite security guards. I wanted to do the same with Larry, who's also stationed at the East Gate and has a ready smile and greeting for me each morning. Alas, I think Larry's on vacation or has rotated to a different gate; I haven't seen him this week. There are a couple of other guys from transportation and the mail room that I haven't seen to say goodbye to, either. Makes it feel unfinished.
I don't think it will REALLY sink in until Monday that I no longer work here. But I'm sure my preliminary waterworks today are a mild precursor to the weepy mess I suspect I'll be at tomorrow's goodbye luncheon.
On his way out, Aaron saw Jose, the young, friendly guy who used to empty the trash in our building. A while ago, they put the housekeeping staff on night shift, so I didn't see Jose very often. Aaron told him I was leaving, so Jose came up to say goodbye as well.
And dammit, I got all misty after Jose left. Not because we were the closest friends, but because of all the cumulative pleasantness and goodwill I've felt from the people here, whether they've been on my team or just said Hi when they've emptied my trash can.
I got a call from our section secretary today. She's out on medical leave and won't be back before I leave. She'd heard the good news (and she LOVED Mike when I brought him to work last year) and wanted to wish us well. I did likewise and hope she continues to kick cancer's ass.
I said goodbye to Wesley last week, who was one of my favorite security guards. I wanted to do the same with Larry, who's also stationed at the East Gate and has a ready smile and greeting for me each morning. Alas, I think Larry's on vacation or has rotated to a different gate; I haven't seen him this week. There are a couple of other guys from transportation and the mail room that I haven't seen to say goodbye to, either. Makes it feel unfinished.
I don't think it will REALLY sink in until Monday that I no longer work here. But I'm sure my preliminary waterworks today are a mild precursor to the weepy mess I suspect I'll be at tomorrow's goodbye luncheon.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Crab Hat
I would be remiss if I did not mention some of the Other Things that happened over the weekend.
First, let me explain the crab hat. Many years ago, my friends Diana & Scott gave me a baseball cap with a red-orange crab embroidered on it. It refers to my astrological sign, Cancer, and also serves as an early warning system if I happen to be in a crabby mood.
The crab hat would have been apt a couple of times this weekend. On the drive down to Lake Elsinore, for example. I asked Mike to drive so I could relax. Instead, I stayed mostly awake to help navigate the 4 different freeways it took to get there and to criticize his driving. You can imagine how well that went over.
Mike asked whether it would stress me out more to have him drive my car than it would if I did the driving myself. Well, yes. But I was pooped from getting a touch too much sun on Saturday and from my woozy spell earlier that day in Target.
Plus, after having a few "commuter" relationships in LA/OC and an alcoholic boyfriend whom I ALWAYS had to drive around, sometimes I want to NOT DRIVE. The rest of the time, I would rather drive so I can be in control of my circumstances.
So I ragged on Mike's driving and he kept explaining why I shouldn't feel worried. And even though I complained, I still wanted him to drive home (even after his mission buddy asked him if he was still driving the way he did in Argentina, which I interpreted as driving crazy. Like someone would be notorious for good driving?). We talked through it, translating what I said/what he heard and did a round of apologizing.
The crab hat also would have been appropriate for the Tuesday afternoon marathon on pre-wedding finances. After some agitation, two Advil and some incoherent mumbling, that all sorted out fine, too.
Tuesday night we saw The Breakup. The fight scenes/dialogue covered different subjects, but were strangely reminiscent of the driving discussions we'd just had. The film was more like a case study than a romantic comedy overall.
Maybe we would have been better off seeing Nacho Libre. I like campy fun, odd characters, and oblique references to Mormons as much as the next gal, but I wasn't rushing to see another Jared Hess flick. Napoleon Dynamite just didn't do it for me.
First, let me explain the crab hat. Many years ago, my friends Diana & Scott gave me a baseball cap with a red-orange crab embroidered on it. It refers to my astrological sign, Cancer, and also serves as an early warning system if I happen to be in a crabby mood.
The crab hat would have been apt a couple of times this weekend. On the drive down to Lake Elsinore, for example. I asked Mike to drive so I could relax. Instead, I stayed mostly awake to help navigate the 4 different freeways it took to get there and to criticize his driving. You can imagine how well that went over.
Mike asked whether it would stress me out more to have him drive my car than it would if I did the driving myself. Well, yes. But I was pooped from getting a touch too much sun on Saturday and from my woozy spell earlier that day in Target.
Plus, after having a few "commuter" relationships in LA/OC and an alcoholic boyfriend whom I ALWAYS had to drive around, sometimes I want to NOT DRIVE. The rest of the time, I would rather drive so I can be in control of my circumstances.
So I ragged on Mike's driving and he kept explaining why I shouldn't feel worried. And even though I complained, I still wanted him to drive home (even after his mission buddy asked him if he was still driving the way he did in Argentina, which I interpreted as driving crazy. Like someone would be notorious for good driving?). We talked through it, translating what I said/what he heard and did a round of apologizing.
The crab hat also would have been appropriate for the Tuesday afternoon marathon on pre-wedding finances. After some agitation, two Advil and some incoherent mumbling, that all sorted out fine, too.
Tuesday night we saw The Breakup. The fight scenes/dialogue covered different subjects, but were strangely reminiscent of the driving discussions we'd just had. The film was more like a case study than a romantic comedy overall.
Maybe we would have been better off seeing Nacho Libre. I like campy fun, odd characters, and oblique references to Mormons as much as the next gal, but I wasn't rushing to see another Jared Hess flick. Napoleon Dynamite just didn't do it for me.
Takin' care of business
Mike's in town! I picked him up Sunday morning at LAX and we stopped for brunch at Tito's Tacos, one of my favorite places to eat when I'm out that way. Dad brought me chips, salsa, and half a burrito from Tito's last week, but it wasn't enough. Mike and I pigged out and took Dad a burrito. Good food karma.
Since we were on the westside, we tried to meet up with our officiant. Since I didn't have Mark's phone number on me, I had to call Angela for it. I did catch Marianne who said Mark was in meetings/unavailable that day. We talked later and made plans to get together this weekend to go over the ceremony.
We also met with the new photographer Monday morning. She's a peach! We walked her around the yard and explained the set up and she's excited to take pictures there. We're getting color, black & white and some sepia prints, which I think will look extra bitchen with the vintage dress and the garden setting.
We also picked up my new glasses and stopped by Target where I had a moment of sudden onset physical ickiness. Usually, I know enough to get off my feet, but we had so much to do, I would have kept soldiering on had Mike not insisted I go sit down.
After a V-8 fruit infusion and some down time in the Target cafe, we headed out for the rest of the errands. Stopped for lunch at Gerlach's Grill, a cook shack attached to a liquor/convenience store in Pasadena. They had a stunning array of fresh fish, Mexican and Mediterranean food. I had salmon and Mike had their asada tacos. We headed over to the South Pasadena Library block and spread out a blanket in the shade to eat.
Then off to the Alhambra Market for carne asada & fixings. We were going to Lake Elsinore to BBQ with an old mission buddy of Mike's. They've had some similar experiences since their missions in Argentina--divorces they weren't expecting, being single again, being single fathers of teenage kids. I'm glad Matt and Mike are back in touch. Matt was the best man at Mike's other wedding and he said he'll be able to attend ours, too!
Since we were on the westside, we tried to meet up with our officiant. Since I didn't have Mark's phone number on me, I had to call Angela for it. I did catch Marianne who said Mark was in meetings/unavailable that day. We talked later and made plans to get together this weekend to go over the ceremony.
We also met with the new photographer Monday morning. She's a peach! We walked her around the yard and explained the set up and she's excited to take pictures there. We're getting color, black & white and some sepia prints, which I think will look extra bitchen with the vintage dress and the garden setting.
We also picked up my new glasses and stopped by Target where I had a moment of sudden onset physical ickiness. Usually, I know enough to get off my feet, but we had so much to do, I would have kept soldiering on had Mike not insisted I go sit down.
After a V-8 fruit infusion and some down time in the Target cafe, we headed out for the rest of the errands. Stopped for lunch at Gerlach's Grill, a cook shack attached to a liquor/convenience store in Pasadena. They had a stunning array of fresh fish, Mexican and Mediterranean food. I had salmon and Mike had their asada tacos. We headed over to the South Pasadena Library block and spread out a blanket in the shade to eat.
Then off to the Alhambra Market for carne asada & fixings. We were going to Lake Elsinore to BBQ with an old mission buddy of Mike's. They've had some similar experiences since their missions in Argentina--divorces they weren't expecting, being single again, being single fathers of teenage kids. I'm glad Matt and Mike are back in touch. Matt was the best man at Mike's other wedding and he said he'll be able to attend ours, too!
Friday, June 30, 2006
Trading in the Portia
No status updates from the original photographer (72 hours and counting) or return call from the niece/photographer, so I'm on to Plan C.
I contacted Margaret Sison, who photographed our neighbor's son's wedding. Her work is amazing and she was available July 22! We're meeting Monday to have her scout the location, discuss what we'd like, and finalize other details. She's been amazingly responsive--unlike the photogs I fired.
I called the original studio last night to get their fax number. When they called back this morning, the clerk cheerfully informed me that their founding photographer would be coming to my event! I said the letter I was about to fax to you cancels our contract. I couldn't move forward with so many questions left unanswered (until JUST NOW!) and I'd booked someone else.
She didn't say much to that. I faxed the letter and sent another copy registered mail to their office. I even asked them to return my non-refundable deposit as a gesture of goodwill.
The last time I asked for a perk, I got it--free desserts when we were asked to move to a different table! Don't ask, don't get, right? We'll see what they do. As far as I know, holding the wedding date was the only service they rendered. And I could really use the cash to pay my new, reliable photographer!
I contacted Margaret Sison, who photographed our neighbor's son's wedding. Her work is amazing and she was available July 22! We're meeting Monday to have her scout the location, discuss what we'd like, and finalize other details. She's been amazingly responsive--unlike the photogs I fired.
I called the original studio last night to get their fax number. When they called back this morning, the clerk cheerfully informed me that their founding photographer would be coming to my event! I said the letter I was about to fax to you cancels our contract. I couldn't move forward with so many questions left unanswered (until JUST NOW!) and I'd booked someone else.
She didn't say much to that. I faxed the letter and sent another copy registered mail to their office. I even asked them to return my non-refundable deposit as a gesture of goodwill.
The last time I asked for a perk, I got it--free desserts when we were asked to move to a different table! Don't ask, don't get, right? We'll see what they do. As far as I know, holding the wedding date was the only service they rendered. And I could really use the cash to pay my new, reliable photographer!
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Bad parenting is like pornography
You know it when you see it. Or hear it, as in last night's case.
Our next-door neighbors--the ones who built the god-awful cinderblock wall down the center of the shared driveway--have a daughter who's about 7 or 8 years old.
As I was turning in after an inordinately stressful day, I hear the daughter screaming and her dad yelling back that now she would know the difference between the parent and the child. (I can't imagine what led up to this declaration).
Neighbor dad's preferred method of discipline is to put his screaming daughter in the car, parked on the shared driveway. This is maybe 15 feet away from my open bedroom window.
Thus confined, the child's screaming and crying and the dad's yelling continued, punctuated occasionally by the car's horn. All this at 11:00 pm. The hubbub continued for about 40 minutes.
It was clear I wasn't going to get any shut-eye while this was going on. It's the kind of thing you can't help but eavesdrop on because it's loud and RIGHT THERE and you hope it will go away before it becomes necessary to call the authorities.
I told mom about the commotion and she said the kid is a terror and the shouting matches/disciplinary action used to be much worse. The kid's a home-grown terrorist, apparently, and the dad has some decidedly odd notions of how to handle it. (Same guy who thought two cement horse heads would make his cinderblock wall look classy).
Commenting on other peoples' parenting skills is always a little sketchy--especially when a single, childless person like myself is providing the critique. But deprive an already stressed out bride from her precious sleep, well, prepare to be skewered. And if you insist on using poor technique, at least try to be a little quieter.
Our next-door neighbors--the ones who built the god-awful cinderblock wall down the center of the shared driveway--have a daughter who's about 7 or 8 years old.
As I was turning in after an inordinately stressful day, I hear the daughter screaming and her dad yelling back that now she would know the difference between the parent and the child. (I can't imagine what led up to this declaration).
Neighbor dad's preferred method of discipline is to put his screaming daughter in the car, parked on the shared driveway. This is maybe 15 feet away from my open bedroom window.
Thus confined, the child's screaming and crying and the dad's yelling continued, punctuated occasionally by the car's horn. All this at 11:00 pm. The hubbub continued for about 40 minutes.
It was clear I wasn't going to get any shut-eye while this was going on. It's the kind of thing you can't help but eavesdrop on because it's loud and RIGHT THERE and you hope it will go away before it becomes necessary to call the authorities.
I told mom about the commotion and she said the kid is a terror and the shouting matches/disciplinary action used to be much worse. The kid's a home-grown terrorist, apparently, and the dad has some decidedly odd notions of how to handle it. (Same guy who thought two cement horse heads would make his cinderblock wall look classy).
Commenting on other peoples' parenting skills is always a little sketchy--especially when a single, childless person like myself is providing the critique. But deprive an already stressed out bride from her precious sleep, well, prepare to be skewered. And if you insist on using poor technique, at least try to be a little quieter.
Expletive, expletive, expletive
Alas, the photographers did not call back within 24 hours to tell me who's coming to shoot the wedding. This doesn't exactly inspire confidence.
I called and left a message for Mike's niece, who I thought was a strong candidate for a backup only to find out later while talking to Mike that she isn't as much of a sure thing as I had thought. He talked mainly to his sister about the niece doing photography and that was several months ago.
Now I'm on full court press to find another photographer 3 weeks before the wedding. I'm sure you can imagine how I feel about that.
I called and left a message for Mike's niece, who I thought was a strong candidate for a backup only to find out later while talking to Mike that she isn't as much of a sure thing as I had thought. He talked mainly to his sister about the niece doing photography and that was several months ago.
Now I'm on full court press to find another photographer 3 weeks before the wedding. I'm sure you can imagine how I feel about that.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Quiz: bridal hair
How many bobby pins did it take to anchor this 'do? Go on, give it your best guess.
Stupid Blogger inserted 3 copies of the same picture. Had to edit the html to get rid of them. Still does the goofy, uncontrollable layout thing.
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