Labor Day Weekend Sound Experience...

This weekend I finally got to rest a bit. Now that we have a plan for moving and me going up to WA on Friday, things are not as frenzied for a couple of weeks.

I helped my mom search for a sound system that would suit her needs in her gazebo, which was interesting and fun. She knew she wanted high quality sound, but didn't really know what the final setup would be like. We went to Sears and she ended up getting this ginormous boom box with am 8-inch woofer. Yes, the sound was great, but when we brought it back to her house, it looked huge. We did not unpack it.

You really do get what you pay for. I explained to her that the only way I know to get really high quality sound in a compact unit it to get something from Bose. I have never had anything from Bose before, but I remember years ago housesitting for a couple who had one of the Bose Waves in their kitchen and I was extremely impressed with the sound quality. And, fortunately, our local mall just added a Bose store about a year ago.

Neither of us really knew what to expect, but yesterday we went and were both blown away at the quality. We took our MP3s and connecting cord so that we could test different units using familiar music. Minutes later we had Russell Watson's Funiculi! Funicula! blasting across the store from a unit smaller than my laptop.

We had a great salesman, and after about a half an hour my mom settled on a portable speaker with a retractable iPod dock, Aux Line in to plug in her MP3, rechargable battery or AC adaptor, handle, and additional internal bass. $399 + $10 for the case. In my opinion, totally worth it. So easy to move from room to room or outside and exactly what she needed and was looking for. She gets radio on her MP3, so that's not an issue. Aside from having a CD player, it will virtually replace the little radios that she has all over the house.

I am someone who is very conscious and sensitive to sound and noise. Always have been. It was a lot of fun to hear familiar songs in a whole new way.

I got a little treat too! My mom was so grateful for all of my help that she bought me a pair Bose computer speakers. I love them! They are so compact and not all bulky like my previous ones. They also have better sound without the woofer that I had on my floor.

Now that I'm moving into a much bigger house, I would love to have a portable speaker like the one my mom got, but that is down the road. In the meantime, I can even hook up my TV to the computer speakers. Last night and this morning I watched Angels and Demons for the first time using them. It was like being in Rome with its sights and sounds all around me. Fun! I'll do a review of that movie very soon. It is one of those stories that works its way into you. As a former Catholic, I found it fascinating. I have always loved learning about the Vatican and the papal selection.

And now, back to moving forward on the interstate move. My new dishwasher was delivered about an hour ago. The handyman I hired is on his way to cut a space in my kitchen to house it. I found this handyman's ad in a menu at a restaurant, and it turns out he is married to a lady who grew up next door to my mom when they were kids. Small world!

A plan, a plan, my kingdom for a plan...

It still boggles my mind the way my life has changed during the course of this year, and it's not over yet!

After meeting with 4 moving agents last week, we have picked a moving company, picked the dates, and signed the contract. What an ordeal. I've learned a lot. A lot. There are some common denominators with the way all of the agents work, but there are some definite differences too. Those differences are what I used to determine who got the job.

BEKINS MOVING CO.
The Bekins guy was the first guy I had come over. He was about an hour late, reeked of cigarette smoke, and did everything on paper using tally marks as we went around the house taking an inventory of what would be packed and moved. His estimated weight of the total amount of items was 6400lbs.
Estimate for packing and transit: $3368 (after tax, but before insurance, which is normal)
Pros: Price is within our budget, fairly accurate on weight (I learned this after speaking w/ another agent
Cons: Late, smelled like cigarettes, SUPER opinionated and almost overly familiar instead of respectful. He gave his 2 cents on everything he saw in my house.

ACCLAIMED MOVERS
I had never heard of Acclaimed Movers, but I thought I would give them a chance and see how they stack up against the other, more well-known companies. One thing I learned with them is that most moving companies are smaller, independently owned franchises working under the umbrella of the larger, more well-known companies. Acclaimed was proud of the fact that they are their own company, with no parent company over them. They are also proud of the fact that they base their price on cubic feet, not weight. This is the only company I met with that does that. They feel it is more accurate and a better way to protect the customer from extra charges. But....when all is said and done and the truck on the road, how does one measure the accuracy of the cubic foot estimate? There are only weigh stations, not cubic foot stations.
Estimate for packing and transit: I'm not really sure. He didn't give me a final all-inclusive number. The transit price alone came to $2400, which is about what the others said. The cubic feet price = a 5200lb estimate.
Pros: Very nice, respectful agent. Didn't smell like cigarettes. He explained things well. Used technology (iPad) to take inventory. The final estimate was emailed to me from his iPad while the agent was still there.
Cons: Agent was late. Did not give a final, all-inclusive packing/transit estimate. Both the lady I spoke to on the phone and the agent--although nice--dissed other companies, which I don't feel is a good sales tactic.

MAYFLOWER (VIP TRANSPORT)
By the time the 3rd agent, the Mayflower guy, was late, I was getting pretty used to it. My house is not super easy to find because it is on a small street, the last street in the city where 3 cities meet, but it isn't like its impossible to find. They all have GPS. The Mayflower guy gave the impression of being a lot more professional, despite the fact that, like the Bekins guy he too came in reeking like cigarettes. He had a nice, impressive notebook of laminated pages and gave me a little sales presentation before walking around the house. I felt like this was a little overdone, like he was trying too hard, but I let him go through his motions. He took inventory on a PDA, and was probably the most thorough, so the inventory time look longer with him than with the 2 previous agents. At the end of the inventory, we sat in the living room and he pulled out a small case with a portable, wireless printer. The PDA sent the inventory and estimate to the printer, and he printed up my estimate. By the end of our time together I was very impressed, and, even though the price was more than Bekins, I felt really confident and Mayflower jumped to the top of my list of who to hire, until the next day.....
Estimate for packing and transit: $7049!!!!!!!!!! HUH? Yes, the Mayflower guy tried to pull a fast one, and it was the United Van Lines guy and I who figured it out together. For one thing, the Mayflower guy came up with a weight of over 9000lbs. Then, when all was said and done, he NEVER directed my attention on the estimate to the final number of $7000+. He only directed my attention to the transit price. I didn't realize this until the next day.
Pros: Respectful and very thorough. Inspired a lot of confidence (I thought.) Told me that about 75% of his estimate calls evolve into being hired, which I thought was impressive. (I thought.)
Cons: SNEAKY!! I learned about the term "dishpacks" this week. Dishpacks are boxes that are sectioned off and used for packing breakables. I have an above average amount of breakables in my small house, a combination of wedding china and stemware, and things that I have inherited from my grandparents' house. Still, despite that fact, the Mayflower guy estimated 30 dishpacks would be needed (which ups the price) whereas the Bekins and United guys estimated around 12-16. The Mayflower guy also wanted to crate the glasstop for my rattan table--another great expense--despite the fact that even he admitted that the circumference was smaller than the ones they usually crate. But the clincher that made him lose my business was never directing me to the final all-inclusive estimate of $7049. That is $3000 more than any of the other companies. Shameful. And I almost hired him!

UNITED VAN LINES (McCollister Moving Company)
When the United Van Lines guy arrived, I felt like I was being charitable, because in my mind I felt like Mayflower had already won me over. I am SO glad that I let the United guy come over. United Van Lines and Mayflower are cousins, working under the same parent company. But, under those well-known names we are dealing with independently owned franchises VIP Transport (Mayflower) and McCollister Moving Company (United.) There were some definite similarities in that both agents used the same software to take inventory on their PDAs and printed everything up at the end on their little wireless printers. And, even though the United guy was late, I appreciated that he didn't smell like cigarettes, didn't give me the hard sell like the Mayflower guy, didn't diss other companies like the Acclaimed guy, and was very professional. I also liked that he made adjustments on the weights because he actually picked things up, like my piano, and tables and chairs, realizing that they probably came in lower than what his inventory software would estimate. His final weight came in at about 6400lbs, like the Bekins guy.
Estimate for packing and transit: $4600 (once we added insurance it went up to $4900)
Pros: Was respectful, very thorough in the inventory, adjusting the weights, explaining everything on his estimate, and helped me to make the final decision once we realized what the Mayflower guy had done. It all began with my question,"How is it that you are $300 more than Mayflower and yet 3000lbs under?" Both of us poured over the estimate of the 2 companies and he was very helpful. At first I was wary about showing him a competitor's estimate, but then I realized that I needed help making sense of this very obvious discrepancy, and, hey, I didn't owe Mayflower anything. All this time I was thinking that Mayflower's price was $4300, until I saw there, plain as day, in bold on the 2nd page, TOTAL: $7049. I was shocked, and I felt stupid. I don't like being made to feel stupid. In one fell swoop, Mayflower lost my business. Lying by omission is the same as lying to your face, in my book, and that is what the Mayflower guy did.
Cons: Agent was late, would occasionally go off on tangents during the conversation about things that were irrelevant to what we were talking about. Not really a big deal.

And the winner is.....United Van Lines (McCollister Moving Co.) Their combination of professionalism, price, thoroughness was the best. We hired them, signed the papers, and everything is set. I should be getting a phone call on Tuesday from their moving coordinator to go over everything again. On the loading day, they will send a quality control guy out to observe how everything is going and who will interview me on my impressions of their company.

The bottom line...
Moving is very overwhelming, emotional, and expensive no matter which company you choose. You just have to shop around and go with your gut. You have to know what you want and still stay one step ahead of the agent as you talk to them to make sure they are being straight with you. The last thing you want in a task this huge is to feel like someone has taken advantage of you. What these companies really need to remind their agents about is that they are the face of the company. They are our first contact with the company. Maybe Mayflower has other agents that work differently than the guy I got, but to me, his sneakiness will make me look at Mayflower negatively from now on.

The dates and the PLAN:
What seemed a near-impossible task to pack up my house and get it moved up to Washington in a few weeks is now not only a possibility, but what is going to happen. Eric flies in on the 26th of September. United will come and spend the day packing up the house on the 28th. The 29th they will return and load everything onto the truck. Thankfully they don't pack the bed and mattresses until the loading day, so we'll only have to spend one night on an air mattress (surrounded by bewildered pets in an empty house.) We will leave on September 30th and arrive in Longview, WA on October 1st. The plan includes Eric renting a car down here, in which we will pack 3 big plants and the suitcases. I will get to be in charge of the pets (lucky me) and their supplies. I bought a big soft crate for the kitties and they will have to all fit in there for the 2 day trip. And, although there are hotel rooms that take animals, we have yet to find one that will take 4, so we might get stuck having to get 2 hotel rooms. Either that, or maybe we can convince a hotel to take us and the pet menagerie in 1 room with an extra deposit. I'll have to do more research.

What I also learned about moving companies is their transit times and our choices of delivery days. United told me that it would take about 3 days for our things to get up to WA. "Day 1" is the first day of transit, which is the day after loading day. We get to pick a 3 day window for our things to arrive, starting on Day 3 (October 2nd.) We opted for Days 3-4-5, knowing full well that it is unlikely that the things will arrive the day after we do. It also gives us more days in the house together before Eric has to go back to work on October 8th. Sometimes his "4 on/4 off" schedule is a hassle, but in cases like this, it is actually a blessing. Taking one "week" off work actually gives him 12 days.

What an amazing ride. If anyone had told me a year ago that right now I'd be married and preparing an interstate move, I would've thought they were crazy. But that is the turn that life has taken.
Eric has now spent 2 nights in the new house and I will be flying up to WA on Friday (6am flight!! EEK!) for a short 4-day visit and to look at the house again before we move in the bulk of our stuff (which is mostly coming from my house.) This whole married-but-separated thing is getting really old, and 5 1/2 weeks apart was just too much. So we bit the bullet, and I got the last seat on a flight Friday morning.

And that my friends, is the plan! There is still much to be done, and I am still expecting some wash of emotions to come over me as I leave Southern California for the Pacific Northwest, but I've gotten pretty good at dealing with life's changes lately and this is the final chapter in 2010. The thing that I'm finding out as a married person is that when you do these huge things alongside someone you love, they don't feel nearly as huge as if you were to do them yourself. You feel much more powerful. This is definitely a case of 1+1=so much more than 2. And having a plan feels great!

Decisions...

Another day of moving agents and decisions. Again, feeling like being a grownup isn't so hot.

And everyone--everyone--has been late. When I have an appointment I get completely ready and then go into "freeze mode." I wait, I'm ready, and I wait some more. Time ticks by and I'm still waiting. Then I think, "Well, should I do something else productive to pass the time while I wait? What if I go work in the garage or cleaning something out and then the person arrives, knocks, I don't hear them and then I miss them and they leave?"

Voice in my head. We have a lot of fun together.

I have now met with 3 moving agents. One more to go. The range in prices has been about $1000, but you really do get what you pay for. I was most impressed with the most expensive, which is still below the cap that my husband and I discussed. I'd rather have an agent give me an estimate and tell me "It can only go down from this number," then have one tell me, "This is the basic estimate, with surcharge and packing added on."

Then there is the added fun of this dishwasher craziness. I had a handyman come over today and give me an estimate on creating a space for the blasted thing. $800-$900. The dishwasher alone was almost $700. OY. I never would do this if the potential renters didn't keep mentioning it. It is either install the dishwasher or risk having the house continue to go vacant for added months. We're *this* close to getting renters. All they want is...you guessed it.

The good news is that Eric's and my house in Longview is officially our house. He got the keys today and gets to move a few things in tomorrow. Lucky!

I miss my husband. I miss the support he gives me when we're in the same room together. He's wonderful over the phone, but it isn't the same. A few more weeks to go.

Still, I have a lot to be thankful for, and this daunting task of moving is seeming less daunting (just pricey) as we zero in on making a decision on a moving company that can pack everything for me.

So that's what's happening. I'm going to leave you with some good music. Relax and enjoy.

Dishwasher, Smishwasher...Moving, Shmoving...

After a sluggish, trying-to-convince-myself-that-I-was-being-productive-week, it is time to start working on the next chapter: MOVING.

What a daunting task. I've never done a move like this before. And even though I'm now half of a married team, I kind of have to do this myself while Eric is up in WA working and moving a few things into the new house. (Lucky guy only has to move about 3 miles, not 1000...) He will take some vacation time to come down here for the actual move.

This morning I went into "tornado mode." That is what I call it when I get all focused and get-out-of-my-way-I'm-in-the-middle-of-a-task-and-I'll-knock-you-down. I made numerous phone calls to moving companies--trying to stick with the more reputable, well-known ones, to set up appointments for them to send an agent out to my house. Two appointments tomorrow, and two Wednesday.

Meanwhile, I'm still trying to get someone to rent my house. My agent is awesome and a real go-getter, but the fly in the ointment is that everyone wants a dishwasher. I didn't realize that would be such a big deal, but it has come up again and again as people have looked at the house. So today I bought a dishwasher (after receiving a very timely wedding present from an aunt and uncle that nearly covered the cost of the machine.)

Next step is finding someone to prepare a space for the dishwasher. I bought one of those small ones--only 18" wide--but there is no space in my kitchen for it yet. I have not had great luck finding someone to cut out the cabinet and handle the plumbing and electricity issues. People don't call back or don't seem interested. I thought offering jobs was a good thing.

I'm having some dim memories of things that would happen during the wedding planning, where there were lots of possible options, and then one would emerge and lead the pack. I'm hoping that happens in this case.

As far as the houses in Washington, Eric's house is officially sold and we are the official owners of the one we found together in Longview's Old West Side, really the best neighborhood in the city. We got so, so lucky, and this house is just oozing charm. It needs some updating, but there is a great homey feeling to it. I much prefer older houses to new ones. We're still trying to make it work so that I can be up there within the first week of October. We'll know a lot more after meeting with the moving companies.

Onward and upward! To adventure, and beyond!

The OFFICIAL Wedding Photos!!!

Again I'm going to give major props to our wedding photographer, Nick Charrow, (please visit his site!) who did the most amazing job with our pictures. If you live in, or plan to visit Southern CA, I highly, highly recommend this talented man.

Yesterday 4 dvds of pictures arrived in the mail. A total of approx 3000 pictures. Somehow, Eric and I will have to narrow them down to the top 50 for Nick to put into an album. I've already begun, narrowing down to the top 375, then top 167, which I posted on Facebook. I've made that album available for everyone to see, so all you have to do is click HERE, and you can enjoy our memories of the day too!

It wasn't easy, but here are a few of my very favorites.:

And MORE wedding photos!

Hello all. Yesterday I received an envelope of pictures that my Aunt Gloria took at our wedding. I scanned them all into my computer to keep. Here are few favorites: (IF YOU CLICK ON EACH PHOTO TWICE, YOU'LL SEE THEM FULL SIZED.)

My mom's backyard. Last summer she had it totally redone, built the gazebo, sod throughout the yard, and she propagated a bunch of my late grandma's rose bushes into her yard. Little did she know that we would be using it for my wedding a year later. The flowers were just bursting. It was perfect!

My brother, Jonathan, walking my mom down the aisle. Eric and his mom are in the background waiting for their turn. My cousin, Ari, one of our ushers, is to the right of my mom.

I love this picture of Steve, our best man and Eric's lifelong friend, and Laura, my cousin and maid of honor, as they walk down the aisle. The lighting, the colors, their expressions--this is a great picture.

My Uncle Beto walking me down the aisle. As I mentioned before, he was really a trooper that day. He took his role very seriously, knowing that he was taking the place of my grandpa. He also detailed my grandparents' Cadillac and chauffeured Eric and me all over town. At the end of the night he gave us an envelope with a generous gift, that we were able to use for spending money throughout our honeymoon.

My bridesmaids, Kristie P. (Steve's wife,) my cousins Monica, and Laura, looked absolutely beautiful in their dark purple gowns. Monica did everyone's makeup. Laura did everyone's hair. Kristie P. was on the floor in my sunroom before the ceremony painting Cassidy's nails and Laura fixed her hair beautifully. We had a very fun time at my house during the 3 hours we were all getting ready. The sound of my girls chatting, laughing, munching on the goodies I bought them, was very comforting and fun.

Eric was very emotional during the ceremony. I just couldn't stop smiling. We held hands the whole time. I jumped in with "I will" during the vows a little early and everyone laughed. After we kissed, we brought the marriage certificate out on a little table and our witnesses, Laura and Steve, and the Bishop signed it in front of everyone.

My Aunt Gloria, who took this set of pictures and sent them to me, and my Grandma Elinor. Gloria is my dad's first cousin. She and my uncle are so nice! We don't get to see them very often, so we were very grateful they attended the wedding.

Gloria's picture of my grandma as she was getting her photo taken in Cliques Photo Booth. My cousin, Dov, owns this business. Originally, I had asked him to be our wedding photographer. He agreed, then backed out because he had never photographed a wedding professionally before. So instead, he offered us his photo booth free of charge for the night, which became our wedding favors and the big hit of the evening. He also recommended his good friend, Nick Charrow, who he had gone to school with, for our wedding photographer. The arrangement turned out to be perfect. Everyone loved the photo booth and Nick's pictures are amazing.

Our head table. We also got lucky on a florist. The lady that manages the restaurant where we had the reception had recently gotten married and she recommended a great florist in Pasadena, name Matt Duran, who owns The Flower Garden. His designs were great, and they cost only about half of what we expected to pay for flowers. I love the way he wraps the bottom of the centerpieces in thick, matching bows.

I love this picture of my mom and me. Both of us labored over our dresses for the day. Finding a sleeved wedding dress in Southern CA is a near-impossible task. My mom and I found her dress at Drapers & Damons in Pasadena. We walked in and there it was, in my wedding colors and everything! It was a no-brainer! And she looked great in it.

Thanks for enjoying another round of photos! Today's agenda includes picking up a very neglected house because a potential renter will be looking at it tomorrow. I also need to go and price dishwashers. Several potential renters have commented on my house not having one, and if that is going to be the one thing that stands between my house getting rented soon or a few months from now, I'll do what I have to do and put one in. I have got to get someone to rent my house. It's essential!

The trials and tribulations of Angelique

My little niece, Angelique, turned 4 months old on August 22. Isn't she cute? And she is the most good-natured baby I've ever seen. She is always happy and observant, much like her brother, Alexander, was at her age. Sibling jealousy has been minimal and Alexander has done really well adjusting to his new role of big brother.

Unfortunately, after being on maternity leave for several months, my sister-in-law, Quyen (pronounced "Quinn,) had to go back to work on August 9. Angelique has been a champion breast feeder since she was born, but has refused to take the bottle. The poor thing has even cried herself hoarse when my mom and brother have tried to feed her using bottles, cups, sippy cups, etc. The past week has been especially challenging.

This morning we received an email from my brother saying that they made a break-through yesterday. He had the day off and spent the entire day (one of many) working with Angelique to take the bottle or sippy cup. Alexander spent the day with my mom. Finally, at night, Angelique started to drink from the bottle. Let's hope it continues!

The Gratitude Dance

A friend of mine posted this on Facebook. When you watch it you'll understand why it needs to be passed on. If you have a blog, I encourage you to post it there too. Pass on the joy!!

More wedding photos!

Tonight my good friend, Bobby, sent me 88 pictures that he took of the wedding. I picked a few favorites and loaded them into a slideshow. He did a great job of capturing much of the day! Thanks, Bobby!!

Greetings from the new married lady!

Hello to my little group of faithful readers. Eric and I returned home from our honeymoon on Tuesday and celebrate our 2 week anniversary today. These last 2 weeks have been an absolute blur!

It's a little anti-climactic, but Eric had to fly back to WA on Thursday so he could return to work today, finalize the sale and purchase of his house and our new house, and move. He has to be out by 9pm on Wednesday while working 12 hour shifts these next 4 days. I'll start packing my house in a few days after a little break.

Naturally I cannot go into every little detail of our wedding day because there is just too much, but I will say that it was beautiful. The glitches, which every wedding can expect, were very minor (lost flower girl basket, ring bearer running off down the aisle.) Overall the day was perfect.

Here are a few pictures that our wedding photographer, Nick, posted on his website's blog. These are the only ones I've seen, and I'm already thrilled that my cousin, Dov, recommended Nick to us. His ideas are so imaginative and I love the way his pictures come out. He did our engagement photos too. You can visit the pictures, along with some of his comments about the day, HERE.



We also had my cousin, Dov, running his Cliques Photo Booth. You can click on the link to see all of the pictures taken that night, but here are a few of my favorites:

Our first picture with the whole family:
(l-r) Quyen, Angelique, Eric, Mom, me, Alexander, Jonathan

Eric and me with his parents, Bob and Sparkle

My mom and her siblings.
(l-r) Ruben, Irene, Mom Lucie, and Gilbert

My sweet, 92-year-old Grandma Elinor, who was the first in the photo booth and opted to use some of the props too. What a great sport! I was so glad that she could be there.

Eric and me with Amy and Bishop Besaw, who officiated at our ceremony and said some beautiful words with lots of clever musical references.

Me and my friend, Gail, who I met at BYU on the first day I moved in back in 1989. I knew it was a long-shot to invite my out-of-state BYU friends, so I was very touched that Gail arranged to leave her 6 kids behind and make the trip from Utah to Southern California. It was great to see her!

Eric and me with his best friends, the Porters. Steve was his best man and Kristie was one of my bridesmaids. They are so great. You meet them once and feel like you've known them forever! We were so glad they could be a part of our special day!

The Porters and the Bunches. Brady was Eric's groomsman. Julie was a great help watching Henry during the ceremony and reception

The Prestons...Cousins Monica and Laura were my bridesmaids, Cassidy was our flower girl, Christina was our "coordinator and runner for the day," and Robby (top left) was our emcee during the reception. (top row: Robby, Irene, Christina, Monica, Mike, Laura. bottom row: Cassidy, Bill)

Eric and me with my friends, Tracey and Bobby. We always go out to eat, see musicals, and go to Disneyland together.

There are tons of other pictures, of course, that I look forward to posting, but this will do for now. I loved our wedding day and am so thankful to everyone who made it beautiful!

Rehearsal Dinner Day!!

What a day. My last day as a single woman. It is wonderful and surreal at the same time. After all of the hustle bustle today I'm home alone in a dark quiet house. The calm before tomorrow when Eric and I get married.

This morning I picked him up at his hotel at 8:30am and the day flew from that moment on. At 9:40 the chair rental company came and set up 125 chairs in my mom's backyard. They did a great job. After that Eric went to get his mani pedi...my man likes mani pedis! I think it's cool! Then we came home and were able to eat lunch and rest for about 2 hours. Miracle. Then I had my mani pedi. Kathy, my favorite manicurist, and in my opinion, the best manicurist, put a bunch of jewels all over my big toes, did a beautiful job with french tips on my fingers, and then wouldn't let me pay her. A gift for me she said. I was very touched.

Then I zipped home, said a quick hello to my 2 aunts who flew in from Mexico, and ran back to my house to shower again and get all ready for the evening.

Everyone started descending on my mom's house at around the same time and were standing out in the street getting to know each other. It was very fun. Then they herded into my mom's backyard and continued with the introductions as our stragglers arrived.

We gathered everyone up, seated those who were not proceeding down the aisle, and did a few run throughs, discussing ideas and working out the kinks. Everyone was great.

Then we drove in a caravan over to The Beckham Grill in Pasadena to our private loft room and had a wonderful dinner of chicken or salmon. Eric and I just looked around, pleased as could be that everyone was having such a great time. Between dinner and dessert we handed out the gifts and said a few words, and the evening wound down. The rehearsal and dinner lasted about 4 hours.

All in all, a great, great day. Eric and I drove back to my house, consolidated a few of his things because he will be leaving the hotel tomorrow and turning his room over to the best man, and then I drove him back to his hotel and drove home.

And now? I'm just feeling introspective. Grateful to have met this wonderful man whose only mission in life is to love me and take care of me. Blessed to love someone who loves me too. Humbled at the family and friends who are flying and driving in from all over the country to share this special day with us.

Tomorrow will be great. I cannot wait to be Mrs. William Eric Cooley. How I found such a gem of a man I will never know, but it happened. I cannot imagine a man better suited for me to be my husband.

And now, time for some beauty sleep, because I'm getting married in about 16 hours!

Two days left!!

Yes, two more days! I don't have a lot of time for a new post, as you can imagine, but I'll do a little updating.

First of all, I cannot believe that it is already Thursday. It was just Sunday night! That was a day that I was incredibly tired, but I sat on my bed at about 10:30pm with a bunch of sample reception time lines all fanned out in front of me. Getting that done was on my To Do list for that day and I still hadn't gotten to it. After reading through the samples, I hammered one out in about 30 minutes. Yesterday I mailed it to the manager of the banquet hall (Athena, she has been so awesome!) and copies to all of the most important people involved in the wedding.

On Monday, Eric came into town. His family had arrived the day before. I picked up his niece, Vanessa, who is 20, from their hotel in Pasadena, and we went to collect Eric from the airport. Then we drove out to Griffith Park to meet Eric's friends and groomsmen, Steve and Brady. Brady's wife works for Disney and was able to get 4 passes to Disneyland for Eric's family.

Tuesday was more errands. I had to be out of my house for 3 hours because a caravan of realtors with clients looking to lease a house were coming by. Same thing today, except I have to be out of the house for 4 hours this time! Tuesday was also this nail-biting phone call from EDD (our unemployment office.) They wanted to discuss why I haven't been looking for work, even though I've told them in 2 previous phone calls and a letter that I'm getting married and moving to Washington.

So, Eric and I went back to his hotel room and sat and chatted for 2 hours, the window of time I was told they would call....and nothing. They really get you by the throat because there is no way to reach them if they don't reach you. The window of time was 10-12. At 12:10, the lady called. She was very nice, but I was a wreck. Basically, my claim is suspended until I move and get settled in WA, then I can reopen it while I look for work there. It is very doubtful that I will return to teaching or even have a full time job, but I'll do whatever I have to do to get my $450/week for 6 months.

After the call, we went for sushi and then came back to my house to relax. We had sat down in front of the TV for 5 min when a realtor came by with a client to see my house. They are supposed to give us 2 hours notice, not 2 seconds. So I left them at the door for a moment while I put Bailey into the backyard and Eric and I took a walk. Never a dull moment!

Yesterday Eric and I drove out to Orange County to pick up my wedding dress. Don't worry, he didn't see it. :-) The lady I bought it from and runs a boutique out of her home has a room upstairs where she does all of her business. So Eric stayed downstairs and I did a final fitting. I must have dropped a couple of pounds, because it fit better than last time and the new length was perfect. I'm so thrilled with my wedding dress, and Donna Anderson, who runs A Dressy Occasion business for those of us who want modest, non-strapless dress is a life saver!!

The trip out to Orange County took all morning, because it is about an hour and a half each way. We stopped for lunch at Ruby's Diner on the way home and then hung out for a while at my house. Then a call came in that someone wanted to see the house at 6pm, then it was changed to 5:15. Dishes, tidying up, and putting Bailey outside again was rushed. We left and went back to the hotel and hung out with Eric's dad and niece by the pool, while his 6 year old nephew, Ashton, swam and swam. Then we had dinner at Acapulco, a local Mexican restaurant that I had never been to. Then home. Whew! Another long busy day.

Today I have to be out of the house again for the realtors. I also have to take some things to Athena at the Monrovian for her to have out at the reception. Some personalized napkins, the seating chart, and pictures of my grandparents that we are putting at a small "memorial table." Their absence has really been felt throughout the wedding planning process. I also have a facial at 1:00 and another realtor will be bringing a client to the house at 3pm. Any downtime I'll just spend in Eric's hotel room, although he won't be there. Steve and Brady wanted to have a "guys day" with him today. So they are kidnapping him around noon to pick up tuxes and go do "guy stuff." Who knows what that means? Eric promises me that I have nothing to worry about!

And, sometime this afternoon when I'm allowed back into my house I must start packing for the honeymoon, which will be here before we know it!

What a wild ride this week has been!

P.S. Things with the houses in WA are moving along fine. We are getting an appraisal on the house we want today. And the man that is buying Eric's house is keeping everything moving forward. And, get this, Eric's realtor is so nice that he even offered his own home--which is empty because he lives with his girlfriend--for Eric to stay in (rent free) for that 2 weeks between the time that his house closes and the one we are buying closes. (See if you understand that!) Anyway, it was a very generous offer. I have to say again that we have had some FANTASTIC people working for us. Eric's realtor, Larry, and all of my vendors for the wedding have been absolutely top notch. With everything going on, we have been very, very lucky.

A week of busy days...

A few weeks ago I had a simple, but brilliant idea. I printed up calendars of July and August to paste on my kitchen cabinets. I have a calendar that I use regularly, but it is inside a cabinet. And, since my life lately has become " all wedding, all the time," I needed something a lot more visually accessible.

The secret has been my desire to pace myself. Naturally, there are appointments that I have no control over, but I also have had this enormous To Do list, whose time line I do have control over. This has included everything from getting my car serviced, to writing thank you notes for the showers, to creating the seating chart display. Things are spread out and color coded. Eric's work schedule is included, too.

Little did I know how this idea would save my sanity. By pacing myself and telling myself that I only have 2-3 things to get done each day, it has helped me to sleep better and not feel overwhelmed.

The toughest day recently was actually yesterday, when Eric called all upset with a recent setback on the houses. His house's buyer came up with a "honey-do" list of 10 things that need to be completed in order for the sale to go through. The letter was vague and overwhelming. For a few hours it seemed like a domino effect was about to happen and our dreams of the house we want would be crushed. (Happily things are better today. The letter was clarified, and, although the 10 things still exist, getting them done will not be as lengthy or expensive as originally thought.)

By last night, I was very tired and could not fall asleep. It is the only night this entire summer that this has happened. I ended up staying awake until 1am, watching DVDs of Johnny Carson's greatest Tonight Show moments. I was laughing and laughing, all alone and tired, but feeling a lot better.

Here are a few of my favorite clips:










There are so many good ones! Anyway, it was a nice, much needed escape.

Today brought more errands and decisions. We met with the florist for the final time before the big day. I made copies and delivered a flier to 35 of our neighbors informing them that there will be a lot of cars on the street on August 7th, my dog went to the groomer, I spent an hour at the art store picking out colored mat boards to display the reception seating lists, and ....... I picked up my wedding ring--all done--from the jeweler.

I quick word about my ring. Stunning. And I love the idea that it is one-of-a-kind. There are some hidden links to pictures of it, lurking in this post.

Anyway, I was humbled when I opened the box and saw my beautiful solitaire combined with an already gorgeous setting.

And, it must be said, in addition to the calendars on the cabinets and the pretty ring, I also keep my sanity by keeping my eye on the prize. I get to be married to my best friend, the person who knows me better than anyone else. No matter where we live, what I've got on my finger, etc., nothing is more important to me than that.

Thoughts on Bridal Shower #1

Yesterday I had the privilege of being the Guest of Honor at my first bridal shower! I say "first" because I am having another bridal shower this Wednesday evening.

The shower was small-- a few co-workers and a couple of friends and family, but we had a great time. My cousin, Laura, is an awesome Maid of Honor! We played 3 games and the house was decorated in purple and pink--our wedding colors.

My grandma, Elinor who is 92, got to meet her 3-month old great-granddaughter, Angelique, for the first time. Seeing her with the little ones are always treasured moments.

Alexander, my 2-year old nephew, who is being very TWO these days, had a fun time with Cassidy, Laura's daughter. After the shower they watched Curious George on the computer, played with the hose outside, dropped a bouncy ball from the top of the staircase a bunch of times, and then sat on the sofa in the living room looking at books. It was wonderful to see them bond like that. Cassidy has waited a long time for a little cousin to come along that she can play with!
All in all, it was a very fun time. Great friends, food, and time with family. Even though the shower ended at 3:30pm, my mom, Xander, and I ended up staying until 8pm. Laura and I always have catching up to do, my mom chatted with her sister, and the kids played and played. I'm glad the little ones had a lot of time together, because I need Xander to trust Cassidy when she holds his hand to walk down the aisle at my wedding in 2 weeks! They are my flower girl and ring bearer!

It was a little weird for me being the center of all that attention. I'm not used to being the guest of honor at parties. I'm usually the hostess of one of the guests. But I liked it!

After all of my friends left and it was just us family remaining, we did comment on how much we felt my other grandma's absence. At the reception we are going to have a small "memorial" table with my grandparents' pictures. They were always at every special event and it had always been my wish for my grandpa to walk me down the aisle. This is the least we can do to honor them at such an important occasion.

And...we have had some updates on the house Eric and I are trying to buy in WA:

1. Eric's house was inspected last Wednesday. We are waiting for the results.
2. The house we want will be inspected tomorrow.
3. Eric will meet with a mortgage lender tomorrow to discuss the upcoming loan.
4. The owners of the house we want will be having a big yard sale in 2 weeks. We're going to try and buy a few things, especially to furnish (or to keep furnished) that massive subterranean family room.

We love this room! It is enormous! Even that crazy carpeting is starting to grow on me.

Fortunately, as far as gifts, most people have given us very practical things, like gift cards. In our situation--trying to merge 2 houses together, move one house's belongings 1000 miles--they really come in handy.

We are feeling like things are coming together in their own way. The progress with both houses is running parallel right now. Mine is still in the paperwork stages of renting. But, overall, things are moving forward and we are feeling very blessed.

Update on the Houses...

OK, so here is what's happening with the houses...all 3 of them!

My house: real estate lady will be here this weekend to take pictures so that she can make up a flyer. My mom (who is on the title) and I will be signing the papers next week to get this baby up for lease.

Eric's house: As I mentioned, there was a single man who wanted to see it on Sunday morning. By Sunday afternoon we had an offer. Eric signed and faxed his acceptance of the offer on Monday. Today an inspector came and we are keeping our fingers crossed that everything went well. We cannot afford any major delays.

The house we want: Eric and I looked at 3 houses while I was in WA in June. The 2nd house just called out to us. I know it seems fast, but sometimes you just know. It is in a great neighborhood called the Old West Side in Longview (2305 Hudson, to be exact.) After much thought, I just couldn't bring myself to impose a 35 mile commute on Eric if we were to live in Vancouver. Not when there was another option. Our offer on this house was accepted, but now everything hinges on the sale of Eric's house going smoothly. That will start the domino effect of events. We're trying to stay rational and realistic, but we really, really want this house. Check out that crazy roof! It creates a row of skylight all along the back of the house and a high ceiling in the kitchen, dining and living rooms. Just one of many cool touches inside.
For our part, we've done all that we can do. And that's the update!

Wedding Progress...

19 days, my friends! 19 more days and I become Mrs. William Eric Cooley. We are really in the home stretch now!

I honestly have new respect for all of my married friends simply for having to go through planning a wedding. In its own en capsulized way, planning a wedding has a lot of similarities to marriage: sticking with a budget, making decisions, compromises, realizing you cannot control everything, and a wonderful payoff at the end for all of your hard work.

Our wedding is nearly completely planned. I still need to pick up my dress, get my solitaire fitted into the wedding band, have a final meeting with the florist and the DJ and the couple who will be playing live at the ceremony (violin and piano,) and the ever-important seating chart for the reception. I'm expecting a few straggler RSVPs, so I'm going to wait a few more days.

Meanwhile, I've been wrestling with the unemployment office (I still haven't seen a dime,) cleaning out closets and drawers and garage, and working to get my house rented. Sleep is elusive and fitful some nights and deep and dream-filled on others. I still find it amazing that my head hasn't exploded yet.

Today ended a 6-day visit of Eric's to CA. And the next time we see each other in person will be the week before the wedding. Tonight I've been texting my manicurist back and forth trying to get an appointment the afternoon of the rehearsal.

Menus are done, bridesmaids' dresses are picked up, groomsmen are fitted, kids' clothes are bought and ready, hair and makeup lady is booked, photographer is booked, shoes and jewelry are all bought (although I should probably spend more time breaking in my shoes.)

It's a lot!

And, hopefully, we are making progress with housing. Don't want to jinx it, but things are happening. More details as they develop and solidify.

And now I'll leave you with a video of Eric singing. After all, this is how we met...on the MySpace karaoke. I feel so fortunate that on top of being a kind, wonderful, smart, loving man, he also has a beautiful voice that I love to listen to. This afternoon, about half an hour before leaving for the airport, we had some fun with my karaoke machine. He is so good! (Do the full-screen mode. It is so much better.)

More adventures in Washington...

I'm back in WA for 10 days, visiting my fiancee and spending much needed time together and deciding together where we should live. The original plan was to move to Vancouver, but we are actually considering staying in Longview, where he lives.

My main concern has been the transition from the suburbs of Los Angeles to a small place that would take a lot of adjustment and not provide much to do. We have done some research this week and, even Eric is looking at his city of residence in a new way.

We have visited the library (impressive--great kid section,) the local historical museum, Lake Sacajawea in the middle of town, and the houses around the "Old West Side", which are very cute and closest to the lake. There are also some nice, affordable houses outside of town near the Columbia. You know, we're just doing a lot of thinking and talking.

We're also having fun. On Thursday we drove up to Seattle and dropped off Eric's Vespa for some maintenance, and then went to visit his good friends, Steve and Kristie Porter. Here are 2 videos of Eric and Steve singing in the front yard. THIS is what they do when Eric is there for a visit. These 2 are like brothers from another mother and it is fun to watch them together:



Eric singing a song that he wrote a few years ago. I love watching him play guitar and sing!


Yesterday we drove up to Steve's dad's place in Winlock, a 5 acre spread with several sheds, an adorable log cabin house, a log gazebo, and a small river running past the property. It was "Egg Day" in Winlock, a local annual holiday, and several people came out for a little neighborhood parade, egg salad sandwiches, and a BBQ at Mr. Porter's place ("Porter's Patches") later in the evening. Eric, Steve, and the 3rd member of their little group--The Sweatbox Trio--name Kai, broke out their guitars at the end of the evening and played for everyone for about an hour. They did great. It doesn't get dark in the summer here until about 9:30pm, so it is possible to enjoy the sunlight late into the night.

Today Eric had to work the graveyard shift, but we had an outing before he had to leave. Finally, finally I got to ride on his Vespa!! We packed a lunch into the little trunk, donned our helmets and eye goggles, and rode about 5 miles out of town to a beach area along the banks of the Columbia River. There were boats, people fishing, people playing fetch with their dogs, and just a nice peaceful atmosphere.

It is certainly very different from home, where everything is always go, go, go, but it is a good different.

After we had lunch, Eric offered to school me in how to ride the Vespa. His is about 6 years old and is a model called an E4 that is now discontinued. He was right, learning to ride it is very, very easy. At first he sat behind me as a passenger, and then I got to ride it myself a few times around the parking lot. The parking lot near the river was pretty empty and a great place to practice. I have to say, it is one of the most fun things I have ever done. Riding that little scooter is exhilarating!

I don't think I got it past 20 mph, but I learned about braking and turns and acceleration and signaling. We are making plans to get me one in the new few months because then I can join Eric, Steve, and Kristie P when they go riding around Seattle. I don't want to be left out! Eric's is platinum, Steve's is black with a camel-colored seat, and Kristie's is a mossy green. I like white, so that will be my color. They are so fun and well-made and very inexpensive. What a great hobby!

Here is a video of me at the beginning of riding the Vespa alone. As time went on I got more confident:


Did I mention how fun it was?! It had the same thrill as skiing or riding a horse or going down a hill on your bike.

Anyway, I am having a great time and it is a much-needed vacation after an intense year at school and before packing up my house, 2 bridal showers, and a wedding.

Our other plans include visiting Vancouver again and looking at the neighborhoods and dinner with Eric's parents and my future in-laws. Nice people. Everyone has been so welcoming when I visit up here.

And the countdown? 41 more days until we are married. We can't wait!!

Life's New Road Ahead...

Well, there is no denying it now. With school ending last Thursday and checking out of my classroom yesterday morning, that is a chapter that I have truly left behind.

The past 3 weeks have been spent doing some teaching, but a lot of cleaning out in my room, which has included giving things to colleagues, giving some things to my kids, packing some things, and throwing many things away. For now, teaching is something I'm going to leave behind.

Many have asked me, "Are you going to miss it?" That is a question with many answers. I will miss some things. I miss the satisfaction of a productive day, and I will definitely miss my colleagues and even a decent paycheck. But there are other things I won't miss, like disgruntled parents, meetings, and difficult kids.

It has not been an easy year. Two students in particular were extremely challenging and had a myriad of individual problems that caused a lot of disruption in a mainstream classroom of 32 students. We had a lot of district issues with funds being cut, 71 jobs lost (11 were rehired,) and a lot of division in the union these last few weeks.

This morning I filled out the unemployment insurance form for the first time in my life. That was weird. I'm officially unemployed. Wow. I haven't been financially dependent on someone else in nearly 20 years.

Honestly, I am extremely ready for a fresh start. I'm just lucky that there is one that awaits me.

Now that my classroom is bare and my keys are turned in, I can shift my focus to my house and the overwhelming task that lies ahead of packing it up and moving belongings, furniture, and pets 2 states away. A teacher at my school is interested in renting my house, but certain factors need to fall into place for that to happen. Several things are going to remain in limbo up until the time that Eric and I are married. Thank goodness for my future husband. He is my rock and my best friend.

On Tuesday I fly up to Washington, where we are going to drive through Vancouver, our future home. The sooner we get comfortable with the area, the better. The upcoming weekend will be spent in Seattle visiting friends (his best man and one of my bridesmaids.) I know that the 10 days I'm up north will go by very quickly.

Throughout everything that is happening, despite how overwhelming it can be, I'm very grateful for this new turn that my life is taking. With the right person at your side, anything is possible. I have definitely found the right person.

I've been PINKED.

Yes, I have joined the throng of unemployed people in this country.

Today we discovered that the 5 member school board voted 4-1 in favor of laying off SEVENTY teachers in my school district. 70, folks.

We now have the dubious distinction of being the district who is laying off the most teachers in the entire San Gabriel Valley. Yay us. Not.

For me, it is really a non-issue, because I had planned to leave after this year anyway to move up to WA after I get married. But there are others that do not have plans like that. There are 3 others at my school...1 who is divorced and a homeowner, another who has a son at Berkeley, and another who is a newlywed. 50 of those laid off are from the 2 middle schools in the district.

The district is facing a huge, huge upheaval if all of these lay offs remain intact. Upper grade classrooms are supposed to increase now to 34 students. Primary grades are going up to 25 students. Those little bungalow classrooms are going to be bursting at the seams. They are not made for more than 20 students.

Several elementary school teachers--those who are keeping their jobs--are going to be transferred to fill in the holes at the middle schools.

I am INCREDIBLY LUCKY that I'm starting a new chapter in my life (of my own choosing) right when my district is falling apart, but I feel very bad for my colleagues--all of them--and the kids. All of our hard work to raise their test scores is going to be for nothing now that class sizes are going to be increased.

What a sad, sad mess. I'm so glad to be outta there!!

Engagement Photos and a VERY Full Weekend!

Memorial Day Weekend 2010...this weekend will now have new memories for me.

Eric came down from WA last Thursday evening. We had a full agenda of things we needed to accomplish. It was so full I had even written out a little calendar for us to follow so that we wouldn't forget anything. And, yay us! Not only did we do everything we wanted to do, but we also did it ahead of time so that we could fit in some fun things too.

Friday:

• haircut for Kristie
• got the marriage license (after standing in line for an hour, going up to a little dingy window at the County Clerk's office in East LA, and watching a few couples get married in this small, pre-decorated room off to the side. I guess if you gotta, you gotta.)
• we drove to The Beckham Grill in Pasadena to check it out as a venue for the rehearsal dinner--we were so impressed with the atmosphere, the food, the service and the prices. We booked it right then and there.
• Off to Macy's to register! We had already picked out our china pattern during Eric's last trip. Now we just had to make it official.
• While we were in the neighborhood, we stopped at the Pasadena Gold Company to pick up my custom-made wedding ring. Not to sound immodest, but...WOW, WOW, WOW. It is more beautiful than I could ever imagine. 70 little 1.25 point diamonds decorate the 1cm wide white gold band, where my solitaire will rest in the middle. It is a work of art that I hope will become a family heirloom, as it is one-of-a-kind, and partly designed by me.
  
• Then a quick burger from IN-n-OUT and, at 7pm, a meeting with the bishop, who will perform the ceremony for us.

Full day?! I think so!

On Saturday we were able to relax a little more, because we accomplished so much the day before. We had a nice breakfast and then visited a nearby park as a possible place to take engagement pictures the next day. Then a trip to the market and then a relaxing afternoon having a Thorn Birds marathon.

On Sunday we met with our photographer, Nick Charrow. We drove to the park from the day before and spent an hour or so taking engagement photos. I'll post a few samples that Nick sent us. We are very pleased!!

We also stopped by and visited our florist, Matt, at The Flower Garden in Pasadena. He showed us a prototype of the centerpieces. Loved it!

Yesterday we returned to the park and brought some KFC, a blanket, a Frisbee, some UNO cards and had ourselves a little Memorial Day picnic. We got there at a great time, right before it got too busy. The weather was beautiful.

Today I had to go back to work. The final layoff decisions will be made at a board meeting on Thursday evening. So, although the day in the classroom was fairly good, the tension in the air, and knowing that Eric was at my house and I couldn't be there with him detracted from the day a bit.

After school he picked me up and we drove out to the Ontario Airport and said our goodbyes. The next time we see each other will be in 3 weeks, when I go up to WA from June 22-July 2nd. We are getting really, really tired of having to say goodbye all the time.

At least we have some great engagement photos to remind us of this wonderful weekend!