A couple from church invited us over for dinner several weeks ago. As we were answering the usual get-to-know-the-newbies questions, I asked one of my own: where can a girl play tennis around here?
Turns out, I asked the right person. The wife plays several times a week--leagues at one of the local country clubs, lessons with its pro, and on a team that travels to play other teams in the area.
Joining a country club isn't in the budget, but this morning I tagged along with another woman in the ward for Tuesday morning women's tennis league at The Cimarron.
Fortunately, another "extra" woman showed up so I actually got to play. We lasted seven games (I won 2 and really need to work on my serve) before the sun and heat got to us. I hung around and watched the doubles players until my ride was done with her games. We retired to the clubhouse for a little post-workout fruit and conversation before she brought me home.
The only local/public courts are at McAllen High School. They're close enough to be convenient, but lack amenities. No chilled, filtered water for the masses playing there. And if I go too early in the morning, I'm told I'll be competing with a gaggle of Winter Texans for a court. Hey, at least it's free.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Monday, September 25, 2006
Lights Out
Sunday morning at 6:30 am, we got another doozy of a rainstorm. In spite of the work Mike did on the raingutters over the weekend, the water still came in. When there's THAT much water, there's not much you can do.
Our street flooded again, leaving the minivan up to its bumpers in runoff and water lapping at my car's back tires--and it was parked in the driveway.
Just after 7:00 am, the power went out and Mike and I mopped water out of the addition by flashlight. Two hours later, we'd fended off the worst and went back to bed instead of taking cold showers in the dark and going to church. (I like to think of it as a newlywed prerogative). Plus, we weren't sure if the church (2 blocks away) had power.
The power came back on just before 1:00 pm, about the time we woke up. Thank heavens. I'm not used to having everything electricity based. In California, if the power went out, you could still take a hot shower and cook if you had a gas stove. Here, natural gas just isn't as big. Propane is, though.
I guess it's time to get prepared for this region's most likely natural disasters: hurricanes and big ole thunderstorms.
Any suggestions for food I can cook on a 2-burner Coleman?
Our street flooded again, leaving the minivan up to its bumpers in runoff and water lapping at my car's back tires--and it was parked in the driveway.
Just after 7:00 am, the power went out and Mike and I mopped water out of the addition by flashlight. Two hours later, we'd fended off the worst and went back to bed instead of taking cold showers in the dark and going to church. (I like to think of it as a newlywed prerogative). Plus, we weren't sure if the church (2 blocks away) had power.
The power came back on just before 1:00 pm, about the time we woke up. Thank heavens. I'm not used to having everything electricity based. In California, if the power went out, you could still take a hot shower and cook if you had a gas stove. Here, natural gas just isn't as big. Propane is, though.
I guess it's time to get prepared for this region's most likely natural disasters: hurricanes and big ole thunderstorms.
Any suggestions for food I can cook on a 2-burner Coleman?
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Local edition
I was perusing the McAllen Chamber of Commerce website and found this link:
http://www.mcallen.org/visitors/
Sadly, it's too late to enter the contest to win a trip to McAllen, but the page had some interesting information. I didn't know McAllen was considered the Square Dance Capital of the World. Did you?
I also checked out www.RGVImpress.com. I ran into the site's webmaster on the doorstep of the one Thai restaurant in town and he handed me his card.
I was hoping for actual restaurant reviews, but it looks to be more of a listing service for restaurants without much editorial comment on the food. For the latter, I'll have to keep reading http://www.dallasfood.org/ and Chowhound.
http://www.mcallen.org/visitors/
Sadly, it's too late to enter the contest to win a trip to McAllen, but the page had some interesting information. I didn't know McAllen was considered the Square Dance Capital of the World. Did you?
I also checked out www.RGVImpress.com. I ran into the site's webmaster on the doorstep of the one Thai restaurant in town and he handed me his card.
I was hoping for actual restaurant reviews, but it looks to be more of a listing service for restaurants without much editorial comment on the food. For the latter, I'll have to keep reading http://www.dallasfood.org/ and Chowhound.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Buggy
It's been too wet to put out mouse traps. But the other critters have been keeping me busy--especially the ants.
Texas ants come in many sizes and hues. There are little red-brown ants that gravitate to the bathrooms and kitchen (found most often in the pANTry). There are small, rotund black ones that snake across the patio and up the side of the addition.
There are medium-sized red ones and black ones shuttling down the trunk of a backyard tree like bonbons on a conveyor belt. And then there are the giANT, half-inch long ones. Euuuw. I found one of these in the bathtub and called PK over. He toyed with the giANT briefly before turning tail.
PK has been more helpful hunting larger bugs. I can no longer deny the presence of roaches. He's left dead ones in the hall and even brought one to bed, deposited on Mike's side, perhaps as a gesture of male bonding.
But PK walked right past this one. We think it's a baby tarantula. It's also THE reason I no longer walk around the house barefoot.
Texas ants come in many sizes and hues. There are little red-brown ants that gravitate to the bathrooms and kitchen (found most often in the pANTry). There are small, rotund black ones that snake across the patio and up the side of the addition.
There are medium-sized red ones and black ones shuttling down the trunk of a backyard tree like bonbons on a conveyor belt. And then there are the giANT, half-inch long ones. Euuuw. I found one of these in the bathtub and called PK over. He toyed with the giANT briefly before turning tail.
PK has been more helpful hunting larger bugs. I can no longer deny the presence of roaches. He's left dead ones in the hall and even brought one to bed, deposited on Mike's side, perhaps as a gesture of male bonding.
But PK walked right past this one. We think it's a baby tarantula. It's also THE reason I no longer walk around the house barefoot.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Ma Bell
Between the Traumaversary of 9/11, news of a friend's death, rain damage to the house, the reality sinking in that I live in South Texas, don't have any friends here, and spend most of my time alone, it's been a rough week.
Add in that I'm unemployed and adjusting to being financially dependent on someone else after being independent for many years. And apparently I have a weird housewife gene that makes me feel like I have to have SOMETHING to show for the way I spent my time--and on the days I don't, I feel like a slug. Where did that come from?!
After getting pep talk calls from my mom and mother-in-law and making calls to several friends, I felt better. I did get out of the house and take care of a few things this week. (Watching Jon Stewart helps, too).
I've decided that part of my readjustment process will be making good use (if not outright abusing) our unlimited long distance calling. So don't be surprised if I reach out and touch y'all more often than I have been.
I'm also going to be honest about how hard this transition is. When I moved to Ohio a decade ago without knowing anyone there, it was for grad school. I worked, went to school, went to church, made friends (and enemies), and settled in. But it was also intended to be temporary.
This move is permanent. And while there are many things to be happy about (adoring husband, affordable housing, untapped opportunities, and the one Thai restaurant yet to try), I'm still struggling with the permanence of it. Wondering if I'll make friends as dear as the ones in LA. Wondering when (if?) I'll find meaningful work. Wondering how to embrace this place and make peace with being here for the long haul.
I know I'm not the only one who's ventured into the great Unknown. What has helped you adjust to a major change of venue?
Add in that I'm unemployed and adjusting to being financially dependent on someone else after being independent for many years. And apparently I have a weird housewife gene that makes me feel like I have to have SOMETHING to show for the way I spent my time--and on the days I don't, I feel like a slug. Where did that come from?!
After getting pep talk calls from my mom and mother-in-law and making calls to several friends, I felt better. I did get out of the house and take care of a few things this week. (Watching Jon Stewart helps, too).
I've decided that part of my readjustment process will be making good use (if not outright abusing) our unlimited long distance calling. So don't be surprised if I reach out and touch y'all more often than I have been.
I'm also going to be honest about how hard this transition is. When I moved to Ohio a decade ago without knowing anyone there, it was for grad school. I worked, went to school, went to church, made friends (and enemies), and settled in. But it was also intended to be temporary.
This move is permanent. And while there are many things to be happy about (adoring husband, affordable housing, untapped opportunities, and the one Thai restaurant yet to try), I'm still struggling with the permanence of it. Wondering if I'll make friends as dear as the ones in LA. Wondering when (if?) I'll find meaningful work. Wondering how to embrace this place and make peace with being here for the long haul.
I know I'm not the only one who's ventured into the great Unknown. What has helped you adjust to a major change of venue?
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Stuart Little Doesn't Live Here Anymore
Living in Texas means dealing with bugs and rodents.
During a lull in Monday's deluge, I walked to the back gate to see how full the drainage canal was. On my way back to the house, I noticed a mouse (let's agree to call it a mouse and not a rat, OK?) running along the side of the house toward the back door I'd left open.
I redirected it with a combination of whooping and hollering. It retreated to the corner of the house and crawled into a tiny space between the concrete and wood panel wall. Its downfall: an exposed tail.
I'm not a fan of rodents, much less cohabiting ones. (Hey, I have enough to get used to living with a husband). I didn't want it to get away (the mouse, not the husband), so I pinned its tail under a brick and ran in the house to get some tongs.
Stuart got vocal when I pulled on his tail and wedged himself in further. I tipped a saucer of rainwater into his hiding place and he loosened his hold enough for me to extract him. Great. Now what do I do?
I didn't have the stomach for drowning him, so I marched him to the back gate and flung him toward the drainage canal. He landed on the bank. I'm hoping that he was sufficiently disoriented to not find his way back.
And those tongs--strictly for outdoor, non-food use from now on.
During a lull in Monday's deluge, I walked to the back gate to see how full the drainage canal was. On my way back to the house, I noticed a mouse (let's agree to call it a mouse and not a rat, OK?) running along the side of the house toward the back door I'd left open.
I redirected it with a combination of whooping and hollering. It retreated to the corner of the house and crawled into a tiny space between the concrete and wood panel wall. Its downfall: an exposed tail.
I'm not a fan of rodents, much less cohabiting ones. (Hey, I have enough to get used to living with a husband). I didn't want it to get away (the mouse, not the husband), so I pinned its tail under a brick and ran in the house to get some tongs.
Stuart got vocal when I pulled on his tail and wedged himself in further. I tipped a saucer of rainwater into his hiding place and he loosened his hold enough for me to extract him. Great. Now what do I do?
I didn't have the stomach for drowning him, so I marched him to the back gate and flung him toward the drainage canal. He landed on the bank. I'm hoping that he was sufficiently disoriented to not find his way back.
And those tongs--strictly for outdoor, non-food use from now on.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Chance of Showers
An afternoon deluge left me bailing water out of the garage and the addition on the back of the house. The rain overwhelmed the gutters and collected at the base of the addition and seeped in/under/through the tile floor/baseboards. Nice!
During the height of the storm, I remembered I'd left my car windows cracked. When it stopped pouring and gusting long enough to venture outside, I saw this:
West Upas Avenue is under there somewhere.
And in the backyard, another sea change:
The runoff flooded the outside tiled patio and seeped under the corner of the house and into the addition (aka tea room). I dragged furniture, camping equipment, and boxes out of the way, but the water came in other places as well.
My project: mopping up and Raiding the insects that took refuge inside. Mike's project: repair/redirect rain gutters. Maybe get some trash cans to catch runoff and use for irrigation.
I miss being a renter. Sigh...
During the height of the storm, I remembered I'd left my car windows cracked. When it stopped pouring and gusting long enough to venture outside, I saw this:
West Upas Avenue is under there somewhere.
And in the backyard, another sea change:
The runoff flooded the outside tiled patio and seeped under the corner of the house and into the addition (aka tea room). I dragged furniture, camping equipment, and boxes out of the way, but the water came in other places as well.
My project: mopping up and Raiding the insects that took refuge inside. Mike's project: repair/redirect rain gutters. Maybe get some trash cans to catch runoff and use for irrigation.
I miss being a renter. Sigh...
Some sad tidings
This morning's email contained a message from Mark, the officiant at our wedding, informing us that his longtime girlfriend, Marianne, died the morning of September 9. So today while the nation is reminiscing about the losses of 9/11, I'll be putting on Pink Martini and the CD of oboe music she gave me and remembering Marianne.
The last time we saw Marianne was earlier this summer. Mike and I got together with Mark and Marianne after we'd asked Mark to marry us. We talked over what we wanted to incorporate (and to avoid) in the ceremony. And over Indian food and later, tea, we talked about life, religion, politics, and the curious habits of dogs. Before that evening, I did not know one could have a pet in a no-pets apartment if one had a prescription for said pet/service animal to alleviate depression or other complications of being terminally ill. Sadly, Marianne was unable to attend the wedding and other related festivities as her illness sapped her strength and stamina.
We'll be going back to LA for Marianne's memorial service at the end of the month.
Underneath the sad, I'm crabby that cancer has claimed another much beloved friend and wonderful human being. Marianne D., DeWitt B., LeGrande S., Bing L. I know an awful lot of cancer survivors (including my dad), for which I am grateful. I just wish everyone could survive cancer and die of old age instead. Is that too much to ask?
The last time we saw Marianne was earlier this summer. Mike and I got together with Mark and Marianne after we'd asked Mark to marry us. We talked over what we wanted to incorporate (and to avoid) in the ceremony. And over Indian food and later, tea, we talked about life, religion, politics, and the curious habits of dogs. Before that evening, I did not know one could have a pet in a no-pets apartment if one had a prescription for said pet/service animal to alleviate depression or other complications of being terminally ill. Sadly, Marianne was unable to attend the wedding and other related festivities as her illness sapped her strength and stamina.
We'll be going back to LA for Marianne's memorial service at the end of the month.
Underneath the sad, I'm crabby that cancer has claimed another much beloved friend and wonderful human being. Marianne D., DeWitt B., LeGrande S., Bing L. I know an awful lot of cancer survivors (including my dad), for which I am grateful. I just wish everyone could survive cancer and die of old age instead. Is that too much to ask?
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Culture vulture
Mike is watching a show (mXc?) poking fun at Japanese game shows. People are trying to run across 6 or 7 turning spheres and failing--and falling--spectacularly. Hurrah for late night cable!
One of Mike's colleagues told him there is (gasp!) an art house movie theater in downtown McAllen! So, earlier this evening, we paid a visit to Cine El Rey to see "An Inconvenient Truth." Excellent film--with major moral and ethical implications. Made me want to change out my regular light bulbs and trade in my gas-guzzler for a more fuel efficient vehicle. Catch it if you haven't already!
Alas, we STILL don't have working high speed Internet, despite the daily calls to Time Warner Cable and their promises to make service calls and have their wireless specialists call us back. Of course, Time Warner advertises heavily in this market and every time I see one of their commercials, I roll my eyes and seethe.
Mike has a connection at the local newspaper who told him about some reporting jobs opening up. Work in a field I have a degree in? That might beat out the tea shop gig.
One of Mike's colleagues told him there is (gasp!) an art house movie theater in downtown McAllen! So, earlier this evening, we paid a visit to Cine El Rey to see "An Inconvenient Truth." Excellent film--with major moral and ethical implications. Made me want to change out my regular light bulbs and trade in my gas-guzzler for a more fuel efficient vehicle. Catch it if you haven't already!
Alas, we STILL don't have working high speed Internet, despite the daily calls to Time Warner Cable and their promises to make service calls and have their wireless specialists call us back. Of course, Time Warner advertises heavily in this market and every time I see one of their commercials, I roll my eyes and seethe.
Mike has a connection at the local newspaper who told him about some reporting jobs opening up. Work in a field I have a degree in? That might beat out the tea shop gig.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
More wedding photos!
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).
Enjoy perusing!
To view your pictures, please go to:
http://MaryEllenandMichael.weddingherald.com
(Let me know if the link doesn't work).
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!
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