Thursday, September 25, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Putting the "Big" in Big Fun: Part II
After we completed as many tasks as we could, Keith arrived.
Perfect timing. He was all smiles.
By Thursday evening, everyone was tired, but every 59 minutes someone would say, "Thank God the hall is done." That would followed by a chorus of, "yeahhh....TOTALLY..."
We watched a little sneak peak of the slideshow because Kay "does not want any surprises," and I agreed. It's better to get the crying out now, I thought.
Of course there were tears and it was the first time I managed to stay dry eyed throughout it. I love watching people's reactions when they see funny or moving pictures set to music. It's almost like you can see their memories popping up in their heads.
FRIDAY
We woke up early and immediately went separate ways. Ron went on errands. Kelly went to go get her manicure and pedicure. The boys went golfing. Kay and I went to go get the dress. Ben Norris' wife and daughter, Bhumika (pronounced: Boom-ick- cah) (nickname is Bhum- prounounced "Boom") and Lilly were at the house while everyone disappeared to get the last minute things finished. When we picked up the dress and dropped it off at Kay's parents house, we hung it up and fluffed it out. It looked majestic. I didn't know if Paul would leak out a tear or two, but all seemed dry when we were on our way out.
"We better get going," Kay said to her parents after we were done hanging the dress.
"Yup," Rose would agree.
I started inching near the door thinking that was our cue to leave.
"Bhum and Lilly are at the house waiting there. We might go back there and take them to the hall."
"Oh, okay!" Rose said.
Paul was confused, "Who's BLOOMING LILY?"
I nearly fell over laughing so hard.
"No," Kay said, "Bhum - short for Bhumika - and her daughter Lilly. Not 'Blooming Lily!'"
We made it back to the house and began to get ready for the rehearsal and dinner.
The closed and ripped up roads provided a bit of struggle, but eventually everyone arrived at the rehearsal. It was a great time, including when Tim had to pull out his cell phone to practice his vows. Apparently, Kelly texted what he was supposed to say and it was held in the cell. Always a good resource, that cell phone.
Fireside, an old winery, was the perfect backdrop for the rehearsal dinner. Rog Borchers and Don Cordonnier were the trusty bartenders that night and were quite generous with the Crown, I must add. It was a great evening, but the highlight was the "siblings' speeches" that took place after dinner.
Nick, Keith, and Jay were all giving individual speeches and toasts for Kelly, a moving gesture I thought. Once I heard the plan I thought, "Oh, this'll be a ride on Disaster Transport. They're going to be bawling their eyes out."
Before rehearsal, Keith asked me to hear him out and I did. Twice. In the garage and then Kelly's empty room. It was good. Poor guy, I thought, he's going to bawl like a baby.
Then at the church, Jay asked me to read over his speech, handwritten in green notebook. Poor guy, I thought, he's going to cry himself to sleep tonight.
Nick jailed himself in the basement refusing any help or rehearsal with his speech.
So, the three musketeers marched up to the front of Fireside and stood shoulder to shoulder to deliver their toasts to their one and only sister, Kelly. I had Ron's video camera and thought it's be fun to get it all on tape.
First up: Keith. Funny, moving, delivered well. Choked up midway. Glanced at Kelly - bawling her eyes out.
Second: Jay. Bawling throughout. Miracle all the words came out. Glance at the audience. 65% crying. Kelly - still crying.
Third: Nick. Walks from side to side, dry eyed. Calm and sincere. I hear a whisper, "He talks like a pastor!" Glance at Kelly - tears are under normal control. Glance at self, train wreck. I'm bawling like a big fat baby and can't stop. Why do I have the camera? Whatta horrible idea.
We get through rehearsal and decide to end it around 11pm-ish.
I spot Tim and Kelly alone outside and hear her say good-bye to him. In reply, Tim says, "Next time I see you, you'll be walking down the aisle in your wedding dress." Another hug.
I look at Nick and start crying again. That's what you get for eavesdropping.
Perfect timing. He was all smiles.
By Thursday evening, everyone was tired, but every 59 minutes someone would say, "Thank God the hall is done." That would followed by a chorus of, "yeahhh....TOTALLY..."
We watched a little sneak peak of the slideshow because Kay "does not want any surprises," and I agreed. It's better to get the crying out now, I thought.
Of course there were tears and it was the first time I managed to stay dry eyed throughout it. I love watching people's reactions when they see funny or moving pictures set to music. It's almost like you can see their memories popping up in their heads.
FRIDAY
We woke up early and immediately went separate ways. Ron went on errands. Kelly went to go get her manicure and pedicure. The boys went golfing. Kay and I went to go get the dress. Ben Norris' wife and daughter, Bhumika (pronounced: Boom-ick- cah) (nickname is Bhum- prounounced "Boom") and Lilly were at the house while everyone disappeared to get the last minute things finished. When we picked up the dress and dropped it off at Kay's parents house, we hung it up and fluffed it out. It looked majestic. I didn't know if Paul would leak out a tear or two, but all seemed dry when we were on our way out.
"We better get going," Kay said to her parents after we were done hanging the dress.
"Yup," Rose would agree.
I started inching near the door thinking that was our cue to leave.
"Bhum and Lilly are at the house waiting there. We might go back there and take them to the hall."
"Oh, okay!" Rose said.
Paul was confused, "Who's BLOOMING LILY?"
I nearly fell over laughing so hard.
"No," Kay said, "Bhum - short for Bhumika - and her daughter Lilly. Not 'Blooming Lily!'"
We made it back to the house and began to get ready for the rehearsal and dinner.
The closed and ripped up roads provided a bit of struggle, but eventually everyone arrived at the rehearsal. It was a great time, including when Tim had to pull out his cell phone to practice his vows. Apparently, Kelly texted what he was supposed to say and it was held in the cell. Always a good resource, that cell phone.
Fireside, an old winery, was the perfect backdrop for the rehearsal dinner. Rog Borchers and Don Cordonnier were the trusty bartenders that night and were quite generous with the Crown, I must add. It was a great evening, but the highlight was the "siblings' speeches" that took place after dinner.
Nick, Keith, and Jay were all giving individual speeches and toasts for Kelly, a moving gesture I thought. Once I heard the plan I thought, "Oh, this'll be a ride on Disaster Transport. They're going to be bawling their eyes out."
Before rehearsal, Keith asked me to hear him out and I did. Twice. In the garage and then Kelly's empty room. It was good. Poor guy, I thought, he's going to bawl like a baby.
Then at the church, Jay asked me to read over his speech, handwritten in green notebook. Poor guy, I thought, he's going to cry himself to sleep tonight.
Nick jailed himself in the basement refusing any help or rehearsal with his speech.
So, the three musketeers marched up to the front of Fireside and stood shoulder to shoulder to deliver their toasts to their one and only sister, Kelly. I had Ron's video camera and thought it's be fun to get it all on tape.
First up: Keith. Funny, moving, delivered well. Choked up midway. Glanced at Kelly - bawling her eyes out.
Second: Jay. Bawling throughout. Miracle all the words came out. Glance at the audience. 65% crying. Kelly - still crying.
Third: Nick. Walks from side to side, dry eyed. Calm and sincere. I hear a whisper, "He talks like a pastor!" Glance at Kelly - tears are under normal control. Glance at self, train wreck. I'm bawling like a big fat baby and can't stop. Why do I have the camera? Whatta horrible idea.
We get through rehearsal and decide to end it around 11pm-ish.
I spot Tim and Kelly alone outside and hear her say good-bye to him. In reply, Tim says, "Next time I see you, you'll be walking down the aisle in your wedding dress." Another hug.
I look at Nick and start crying again. That's what you get for eavesdropping.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Quick Video Before the Ceremony
A few minutes before the ceremony, here the bridesmaids are downstairs of St. Remy Church with Kelly and Kay.
Big Fun Pictures
Remember, I wasn't the photographer for the wedding and made a conscious decision to put my camera away so I could truly be in the moment. That being said, this was probably a dream to photograph because everything was really beautiful and the lighting was perfect for the entire day. So, here's just a few of the pictures I have...if you want more, you'll have to wait for Natalie Baumgardner to finish up.
CLICK HERE FOR BIG FUN PICTURES.
CLICK HERE FOR BIG FUN PICTURES.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Putting the "Big" in Big Fun: Part I
I am the sole creator of the nickname BIG FUN, aka the Kelly Borchers/Tim Norris wedding that just took place this weekend. September 20, 2008 will go down as BIG FUN: The Night to Remember.
Nick and I left Cleveland Wednesday night after work and didn't arrive until after midnight. Although tired from the long drive, we still couldn't help but make comments. "Why is the road closed?"
"Looks like they're doing road construction."
Mhm, that doesn't sound like a good start for a wedding weekend with lots of out of towners.
As the car bumped along and we passed my favorite street - marveling, once again, at Borchers Road - we turned to find most of the Russian roads ripped up along one side and enormous bulldozers and machinery scattered rather obviously around town.
First thought: Ouch. That doesn't make a pretty wedding picture. I bet Ron and Kay are pissed. Don't the construction people know it's Big Fun weekend?
Wednesday Night
Hugs all around as we enter the house and Russia's long lost one-time seminarian son has returned. It's always nice to see Nick light up when we enter Raider-ville. No matter how tired he is in the car, once he walks through the garage that connects to the kitchen, he's completely reenergized to be near his family.
So, the first night, Kelly, the lovely bride to be, Nick, Ron, Kay and I just talk about the impending nuptuals and all the craziness that goes on the few days prior to the wedding. The next day we would be decorating St. Remy Hall, home of Big Fun dinner and dancing (commonly known as a reception). We hit the hay and I wondered what exactly the Borchers house would look like under such a big event. The questions were endless:
Would Kelly survive all the questions? (It's a researched fact that brides answer approximately 1,000,000 -yes one million - questions in the timeframe of the engagement.)
Is there enough Crown Royal?
Will the bulldozers get out of the way?
Should I refrigerate the Red Bull now or Friday night?
Will it really be 80 degrees on Saturday?
Thursday
The next morning, I went for a long run around town. My new goal is to run a road race before I turn 30 (ahem, 2.27.09) and the lovely slightly manure-ed air of the countryside provided a nice backdrop to my jog. When I returned, I found Kay and Kelly - already having conquered the florist appointment - ready to head up to the hall. I quickly changed and followed suit, running two minutes behind.
I walked two feet into the hall, hoping I wasn't too late and found about 20 excited family members and friends generously volunteering to help decorate the tables. Nick spotted me and whispered into my ear, "Totally predictable, Kelly and Aunt Jan are already crying. Watch out..."
A quick laugh was needed as we all went to work with ribbon, linens, dishware, caramel popcorn (par-tay favors!) and votive candles. The highlight was definitely flicking up the wick of over a couple hundred votive candles with a tack. Ahhh, the manual labor of wedding prep. As we folded the napkins, i laughed and caught up with friends and family. It NEVER ceases to amaze me how generous Nick's family and friends are with their time and resources. All these folks here to set up chairs, tables, cover them, plan routes, hang clothes, wipe something until it shines - for free - is truly remarkable. Nick often says, "Yep, that's Russia."
As the hours pass and more questions surface, I begin having memories (traumatic ones) of my own wedding planning and remember the anxiety of wondering whether the food will satisfy everyone, if the plates look right, if the flowers are the right color. Weddings are unbelievably stressful, but in Borchers-style, they handled it unbelievably smoothly. Ron has lists, Kay has tears, Kelly is direct, Nick is sweating, Jay is still at work, Keith is leaving voicemail messages that he's on his way, and I am smiling with candle wax debris on my face.
The hall is done by 3pm-ish. Not bad.
Nick and I left Cleveland Wednesday night after work and didn't arrive until after midnight. Although tired from the long drive, we still couldn't help but make comments. "Why is the road closed?"
"Looks like they're doing road construction."
Mhm, that doesn't sound like a good start for a wedding weekend with lots of out of towners.
As the car bumped along and we passed my favorite street - marveling, once again, at Borchers Road - we turned to find most of the Russian roads ripped up along one side and enormous bulldozers and machinery scattered rather obviously around town.
First thought: Ouch. That doesn't make a pretty wedding picture. I bet Ron and Kay are pissed. Don't the construction people know it's Big Fun weekend?
Wednesday Night
Hugs all around as we enter the house and Russia's long lost one-time seminarian son has returned. It's always nice to see Nick light up when we enter Raider-ville. No matter how tired he is in the car, once he walks through the garage that connects to the kitchen, he's completely reenergized to be near his family.
So, the first night, Kelly, the lovely bride to be, Nick, Ron, Kay and I just talk about the impending nuptuals and all the craziness that goes on the few days prior to the wedding. The next day we would be decorating St. Remy Hall, home of Big Fun dinner and dancing (commonly known as a reception). We hit the hay and I wondered what exactly the Borchers house would look like under such a big event. The questions were endless:
Would Kelly survive all the questions? (It's a researched fact that brides answer approximately 1,000,000 -yes one million - questions in the timeframe of the engagement.)
Is there enough Crown Royal?
Will the bulldozers get out of the way?
Should I refrigerate the Red Bull now or Friday night?
Will it really be 80 degrees on Saturday?
Thursday
The next morning, I went for a long run around town. My new goal is to run a road race before I turn 30 (ahem, 2.27.09) and the lovely slightly manure-ed air of the countryside provided a nice backdrop to my jog. When I returned, I found Kay and Kelly - already having conquered the florist appointment - ready to head up to the hall. I quickly changed and followed suit, running two minutes behind.
I walked two feet into the hall, hoping I wasn't too late and found about 20 excited family members and friends generously volunteering to help decorate the tables. Nick spotted me and whispered into my ear, "Totally predictable, Kelly and Aunt Jan are already crying. Watch out..."
A quick laugh was needed as we all went to work with ribbon, linens, dishware, caramel popcorn (par-tay favors!) and votive candles. The highlight was definitely flicking up the wick of over a couple hundred votive candles with a tack. Ahhh, the manual labor of wedding prep. As we folded the napkins, i laughed and caught up with friends and family. It NEVER ceases to amaze me how generous Nick's family and friends are with their time and resources. All these folks here to set up chairs, tables, cover them, plan routes, hang clothes, wipe something until it shines - for free - is truly remarkable. Nick often says, "Yep, that's Russia."
As the hours pass and more questions surface, I begin having memories (traumatic ones) of my own wedding planning and remember the anxiety of wondering whether the food will satisfy everyone, if the plates look right, if the flowers are the right color. Weddings are unbelievably stressful, but in Borchers-style, they handled it unbelievably smoothly. Ron has lists, Kay has tears, Kelly is direct, Nick is sweating, Jay is still at work, Keith is leaving voicemail messages that he's on his way, and I am smiling with candle wax debris on my face.
The hall is done by 3pm-ish. Not bad.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Cordonnier Tears
Getting to know Nick's family has been a blessing from the start. They've always welcomed me and made me feel so loved at every gathering, party, and celebration. After getting to know the two sides - Borchers and Cordonniers - I can now clearly see the differences in each and see how they influence Nick to be the man he has grown to be.
I thought that since they are his side of the family, the influence would stop with Nick. I am beginning to think I am wrong.
The Cordonniers, Nick's maternal side, shed some serious tears at emotional times. The first time Nick cried in front of me was back in 1998 when we were just good friends and hanging out. This was before I fell in love with him and thought he was a normal guy. We went to go see The Sixth Sense at the movie theater and while I was definitely emotional at the end, I couldn't believe Nick's reaction.
After you find out that Bruce Willis is really a ghost and departs from the love of his life, I got a bit choked up but it was contained. I sighed and grabbed my purse to get ready to head out. I looked to my right and saw Nick staring at the credits rolling, completely still. "Uh, are you alright?"
"I'm just really shocked by that movie."
I agreed, "I know, it was intense."
It took me a while to see through the dim lighting, but there he was - crying in a Norwood theater over a M. Night Shyamalan movie. I didn't say anything, but the shock of this guy crying next to me was more shocking than the Bruce Willis/ghost revelation.
We were quiet until I brought it up in the car. Remember, this was before we were dating, I couldn't really insult him by asking what in the world was wrong with him crying manly tears while I was completely dry eyed.
"Were you crying?" Nice subtle question.
"Yeah, it just runs in my family. My mom's side of the family cries at everything. It doesn't even have to be a big event. One time, Grandpa even cried during a basketball game in the Russia gym."
"Why?" I was incredulous.
"Because, it was an emotional moment!"
"Oh, I see."
But, that's the thing - I didn't see. Not until now anyway.
A few months ago, I told Kelly, Nick's sister, that I would be happy to do a slideshow for the wedding - aka BIG FUN - because I've been asked to do so many that it's not really difficult for me to create one now that I have the software and the right formula to put it together. Over the past few weeks, since I got back from the Philippines, I was pushing Kelly to move forward with it because it's a nice small momento to watch in the years ahead as Nick and I watch our slideshow the morning of our wedding anniversary. She conceded and sent me several envelopes full of pictures. I asked for photos of Tim and his family and friends and soon began sorting through hundreds of photos that folks had sent me.
Putting a slideshow together is really about detail - detail of getting the pictures in a sensible order, balance of each person, the right music, putting the transitions to tempo, beginning and end fades - so in the end a lovely story is told.
Kelly is the younger sister I always wanted so imagine my surprise when I find myself - not once, not twice, not thrice - but in MULTIPLE crying episodes as I have put the slideshow together. As the final touches are layered on this week, Nick has walked in as I hastily dry my tears and am rolling my eyes at myself. He smiles, "The Cordonniers are starting to rub off of ya, huh?"
I thought that since they are his side of the family, the influence would stop with Nick. I am beginning to think I am wrong.
The Cordonniers, Nick's maternal side, shed some serious tears at emotional times. The first time Nick cried in front of me was back in 1998 when we were just good friends and hanging out. This was before I fell in love with him and thought he was a normal guy. We went to go see The Sixth Sense at the movie theater and while I was definitely emotional at the end, I couldn't believe Nick's reaction.
After you find out that Bruce Willis is really a ghost and departs from the love of his life, I got a bit choked up but it was contained. I sighed and grabbed my purse to get ready to head out. I looked to my right and saw Nick staring at the credits rolling, completely still. "Uh, are you alright?"
"I'm just really shocked by that movie."
I agreed, "I know, it was intense."
It took me a while to see through the dim lighting, but there he was - crying in a Norwood theater over a M. Night Shyamalan movie. I didn't say anything, but the shock of this guy crying next to me was more shocking than the Bruce Willis/ghost revelation.
We were quiet until I brought it up in the car. Remember, this was before we were dating, I couldn't really insult him by asking what in the world was wrong with him crying manly tears while I was completely dry eyed.
"Were you crying?" Nice subtle question.
"Yeah, it just runs in my family. My mom's side of the family cries at everything. It doesn't even have to be a big event. One time, Grandpa even cried during a basketball game in the Russia gym."
"Why?" I was incredulous.
"Because, it was an emotional moment!"
"Oh, I see."
But, that's the thing - I didn't see. Not until now anyway.
A few months ago, I told Kelly, Nick's sister, that I would be happy to do a slideshow for the wedding - aka BIG FUN - because I've been asked to do so many that it's not really difficult for me to create one now that I have the software and the right formula to put it together. Over the past few weeks, since I got back from the Philippines, I was pushing Kelly to move forward with it because it's a nice small momento to watch in the years ahead as Nick and I watch our slideshow the morning of our wedding anniversary. She conceded and sent me several envelopes full of pictures. I asked for photos of Tim and his family and friends and soon began sorting through hundreds of photos that folks had sent me.
Putting a slideshow together is really about detail - detail of getting the pictures in a sensible order, balance of each person, the right music, putting the transitions to tempo, beginning and end fades - so in the end a lovely story is told.
Kelly is the younger sister I always wanted so imagine my surprise when I find myself - not once, not twice, not thrice - but in MULTIPLE crying episodes as I have put the slideshow together. As the final touches are layered on this week, Nick has walked in as I hastily dry my tears and am rolling my eyes at myself. He smiles, "The Cordonniers are starting to rub off of ya, huh?"
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Appreciating the Amish Life for 36 Hours
The remnants of Hurricane Ike swept through Ohio and left us without power for two days. The streets are a mess, and according to the rumors in Shaker Heights, herds of electrical workers were down south helping the more torn up areas and so less resources were available in NE Ohio.
No power for 36 hours. While you could hear a collective Cleveland moan when televisions went out at 8:15pm on Sunday night because you couldn't watch the Browns/Steelers war, I was more concerned about all my produce and poultry in the fridge. (Aren't our concerns mighty?)
Living by flashlight is certainly not the way of the Amish, but it did encourage a simplistic kind of living for a little while and it was fun to just sit in the dark and talk without the distraction of the computer, music, television, or even the hum of the kitchen appliances in the background. It gave way to a gentle quiet that we actually liked.
Monday morning we had all kinds of work done on the house - chimney inspection, shower head fixed, toilet worked on (poor guy) and then our car revved up for impending travels to Russia, Cincinnati, New Jersey, and New York - all in the next 6 weekends. Throw in Nick's 5 day trip to El Salvador with St. Dominic and you have a very busy couple who are determined to live life as a one car family. An oil change, air filter, serpentine belt (that just sounds cool to say), and four new tires got the Corolla ready for Big Fun (aka Kelly and Tim's wedding) and More Big Fun (the rest of the weddings in October) in faraway places.
I write this post from the inside of a car shop as I wait for the Corolla to be fixed. All I can say is, it is quite the happy family here in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Center Heights Service may be the most friendly car shop I've ever been. That's not really hard to say coming from Boston where most mechanics stare at your chest if you're a woman and coerce you into dropping several hundos for fixes and twixes you definitely do not need. But the folks here are wonderful. Bill and Tom are actually brainstorming places for me to send my resume and introduced me to Ann, another customer who works at a agency looking for psychotherapists. You don't come across that kind of service very often. They smile and are more than friendly. Most importantly, they're honest, don't treat you like an idiot, and even offer me a lift home so I don't have to wait around for the car.
Yes, this is a body shop.
Viva La Shaker!
No power for 36 hours. While you could hear a collective Cleveland moan when televisions went out at 8:15pm on Sunday night because you couldn't watch the Browns/Steelers war, I was more concerned about all my produce and poultry in the fridge. (Aren't our concerns mighty?)
Living by flashlight is certainly not the way of the Amish, but it did encourage a simplistic kind of living for a little while and it was fun to just sit in the dark and talk without the distraction of the computer, music, television, or even the hum of the kitchen appliances in the background. It gave way to a gentle quiet that we actually liked.
Monday morning we had all kinds of work done on the house - chimney inspection, shower head fixed, toilet worked on (poor guy) and then our car revved up for impending travels to Russia, Cincinnati, New Jersey, and New York - all in the next 6 weekends. Throw in Nick's 5 day trip to El Salvador with St. Dominic and you have a very busy couple who are determined to live life as a one car family. An oil change, air filter, serpentine belt (that just sounds cool to say), and four new tires got the Corolla ready for Big Fun (aka Kelly and Tim's wedding) and More Big Fun (the rest of the weddings in October) in faraway places.
I write this post from the inside of a car shop as I wait for the Corolla to be fixed. All I can say is, it is quite the happy family here in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Center Heights Service may be the most friendly car shop I've ever been. That's not really hard to say coming from Boston where most mechanics stare at your chest if you're a woman and coerce you into dropping several hundos for fixes and twixes you definitely do not need. But the folks here are wonderful. Bill and Tom are actually brainstorming places for me to send my resume and introduced me to Ann, another customer who works at a agency looking for psychotherapists. You don't come across that kind of service very often. They smile and are more than friendly. Most importantly, they're honest, don't treat you like an idiot, and even offer me a lift home so I don't have to wait around for the car.
Yes, this is a body shop.
Viva La Shaker!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
"Just Don't Wait Until Winter"
One of the things that Nick and I have noticed about life in surburbia, Cleveland surburbia to be precise, is how often winter is referenced. We went for a long walk last night after dinner to breathe in the Autumn-like air, and I got to thinking of all the things I've noticed about our new life and the people in it. When you don't have a job, your mind tends to wander into topics like that at night.
It's a funny observation that so many marketing strategies in Cleveland include a foreboding, "Don't wait until winter.." Winter has been brought up at least once a day since I moved here. Whether it's house insulation, window replacements, or firewood, everything comes with a reminder to GIT 'ER DONE before the snow comes. You don't want a faulty windshield wiper during a snowstorm now do you? You can't go without snow tires this season can you? Winter-proof your house now and replace your carpet floors!
Granted, safety is always best and it's always good to be prepared, but for how often people ask if our winter boots are ready for the lake effect, I have to ask: Do we live in the western frontier? Do we not have Triple A, cell phones, and emergency lanes in the highway? What is UP with all the winter fear?
AND
It's not like Nick and I just moved here from the Little Miss Sunshine state - we lived in BOSTON. A city where I bore three brutal winters and countless Nor'easters - snow that stopped trains, cold that ripped to the bone marrow of one's existence, ice that didn't melt until April - and still survived.
So, what is UP with Clevelanders asking us, "Are you ready for a Cleveland winter? It's something else..."
One eyebrow lifts, unimpressed. There are bigger things to be concerned with in this city than the winter months. First, let's deal with the Tribe or the Brownies. Now THERE'S something to worry about.
It's a funny observation that so many marketing strategies in Cleveland include a foreboding, "Don't wait until winter.." Winter has been brought up at least once a day since I moved here. Whether it's house insulation, window replacements, or firewood, everything comes with a reminder to GIT 'ER DONE before the snow comes. You don't want a faulty windshield wiper during a snowstorm now do you? You can't go without snow tires this season can you? Winter-proof your house now and replace your carpet floors!
Granted, safety is always best and it's always good to be prepared, but for how often people ask if our winter boots are ready for the lake effect, I have to ask: Do we live in the western frontier? Do we not have Triple A, cell phones, and emergency lanes in the highway? What is UP with all the winter fear?
AND
It's not like Nick and I just moved here from the Little Miss Sunshine state - we lived in BOSTON. A city where I bore three brutal winters and countless Nor'easters - snow that stopped trains, cold that ripped to the bone marrow of one's existence, ice that didn't melt until April - and still survived.
So, what is UP with Clevelanders asking us, "Are you ready for a Cleveland winter? It's something else..."
One eyebrow lifts, unimpressed. There are bigger things to be concerned with in this city than the winter months. First, let's deal with the Tribe or the Brownies. Now THERE'S something to worry about.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Home Depot 101
Now comes the moment in every homeowner's life where one has to drive to the most dreaded place on the planet (other than Walmart or Best Buy) - HOME DEPOT.
Nick has told me that we may have plaster walls and why don't I research how to hang frames on such walls. I nodded my agreement to his face but inside felt like telling him that, truthfully, I'd much rather eat an unwashed beet from a pesticide infested garden than research anything about plaster walls.
The internet is a constantly shifting mirage of information - it LOOKS like there is a lot of information, but sometimes you're better off on your own and dealing with someone face to face. This led me to Home Depot. Loaded with the phrase TOGGLE BOLT, I jetted to the nearest Home Depot, with graceful directions from Moses, our trusted GPS.
So, with Moses in the car, I was able to find Home Depot and even avoid getting hit by rocks as I passed a group of children launching small pebbles at passing cars on the street. I am not used to Cleveland children yet.
Home Depot is, in a word, absurd. That building is the most ridiculous place on the planet. Walking through the front doors, I noticed people just hanging out, looking as if they were going to greet me - all wearing Home Depot bibs and dirt on their hands. No greeting.
My face was one blank canvas as I navigated this universe of doors, appliances, wires, and screws. There is every kind of imaginable bolt nestled in an aisle the size of a bowling alley. My stomach starting hurting from the impending anxiety. No one was around to help. Ugh, I began resenting homeownership.
One thing I noticed about Home Depot is that nearly EVERYONE is standing still. Everyone is, like, PAUSED in front of something and just staring at a screw, sliding glass door, or garage door opener as if they don't know what to do. I looked the part as I stood, stunned and indecisive, in front of the toggle bolt section wondering how my life had come to pass so that I have to understand the safe hanging strategies for plaster walls.
Luckily, I can read and do math and ended up choosing two packages. This was after I perused the carpet aisle, laundry washers, window treatments, and door replacements.
No one helped me except Rebecca in the laundry washer area who kept persuading me to purchase GE's newest and brightest machine at $700 because I would save so much money later in the water bill with its energy efficiency. Right.
And so, I went home and tried to put up curtain rods and started a long crack in one of the wooden panels of the window. Oh brother. Nick had to demonstrate how to put pressure into a screw so I don't flatter the head with each of my pathetic twists and grab the stepper so I can reach the top of the panel.
I totally understand now why everyone says that owning a home is a lifelong project. At this rate, it may be Christmas before I can get the blinds and curtains up.
Nick has told me that we may have plaster walls and why don't I research how to hang frames on such walls. I nodded my agreement to his face but inside felt like telling him that, truthfully, I'd much rather eat an unwashed beet from a pesticide infested garden than research anything about plaster walls.
The internet is a constantly shifting mirage of information - it LOOKS like there is a lot of information, but sometimes you're better off on your own and dealing with someone face to face. This led me to Home Depot. Loaded with the phrase TOGGLE BOLT, I jetted to the nearest Home Depot, with graceful directions from Moses, our trusted GPS.
So, with Moses in the car, I was able to find Home Depot and even avoid getting hit by rocks as I passed a group of children launching small pebbles at passing cars on the street. I am not used to Cleveland children yet.
Home Depot is, in a word, absurd. That building is the most ridiculous place on the planet. Walking through the front doors, I noticed people just hanging out, looking as if they were going to greet me - all wearing Home Depot bibs and dirt on their hands. No greeting.
My face was one blank canvas as I navigated this universe of doors, appliances, wires, and screws. There is every kind of imaginable bolt nestled in an aisle the size of a bowling alley. My stomach starting hurting from the impending anxiety. No one was around to help. Ugh, I began resenting homeownership.
One thing I noticed about Home Depot is that nearly EVERYONE is standing still. Everyone is, like, PAUSED in front of something and just staring at a screw, sliding glass door, or garage door opener as if they don't know what to do. I looked the part as I stood, stunned and indecisive, in front of the toggle bolt section wondering how my life had come to pass so that I have to understand the safe hanging strategies for plaster walls.
Luckily, I can read and do math and ended up choosing two packages. This was after I perused the carpet aisle, laundry washers, window treatments, and door replacements.
No one helped me except Rebecca in the laundry washer area who kept persuading me to purchase GE's newest and brightest machine at $700 because I would save so much money later in the water bill with its energy efficiency. Right.
And so, I went home and tried to put up curtain rods and started a long crack in one of the wooden panels of the window. Oh brother. Nick had to demonstrate how to put pressure into a screw so I don't flatter the head with each of my pathetic twists and grab the stepper so I can reach the top of the panel.
I totally understand now why everyone says that owning a home is a lifelong project. At this rate, it may be Christmas before I can get the blinds and curtains up.
Monday, September 8, 2008
A Jerry Maguire Morning
I woke up and rolled over and Nick said, "Good morning."
I replied from one of my favorite movies, "I LOVE the morning! I clap [clap once] my hands and say, 'THIS [punch air with high fist] is going to be a great day!'"
I made him repeat it with me, actions and all.
It's good to start the day sharing a loud laugh with your loved one.
I replied from one of my favorite movies, "I LOVE the morning! I clap [clap once] my hands and say, 'THIS [punch air with high fist] is going to be a great day!'"
I made him repeat it with me, actions and all.
It's good to start the day sharing a loud laugh with your loved one.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Pretty in Pics
Here are two pictures from the housewarming. In one of them you can see Nick loving whatever Tom Ward is telling him; not an unusual sight. The other is of two dear friends of mine who made the trip from Cincinnati and Louisville to help warm up the house.
The last picture I was saving for parents to show of all that I brought back from the Philippines: two bottles of wine, countless wooden crafts, three textile wall hangings, a barrage of snacks available only in SE Asia, handmade soups, jewelry, bags, books, and various trinkets and souvenirs from my travels. It is nothing short of a miracle that I was not detained in customs.
Last night Nick and I met some friends out for dinner in Little Italy. Of course, I bought two cannoli's for late night enjoyment. After dinner, Nick went out with Matt Thomas, aka Books, and even though I promised to pick him up later, I fell asleep the moment my head hit the pillowcase. Good thing Nick is a patient man. This weekend Nick is going Tim Norris' bachelor party at Salt Fork while I continue to get used to life in Ohio. Two weeks to Kelly's wedding, aka Big Fun, and we're both pumped and ready for another great family wedding!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Making a Home, For Good
I've been home for 9 days and - thank the good saints - I finally was able to sleep like a normal human being last night. I was
O-U-T last night at 10pm and fell asleep with all my jewelry on and my cell phone in my right hand. Don't ask me who I was on the phone with because, as Nick has been describing, "You were so tired, I don't even know if you knew your own name."
Well, I do know my own name. Now.
We had a lovely housewarming party on Saturday and it was a glorious day with lots of sunshine in and out of the house. Tom and Katie Ward tromped into our new digs all the way from Cincinnati, as did my former roomies Claire Mugavin and Lea Minniti Shephard. A nice XU reunion for all as Pete Kosoglov stopped in, just back from Scotland. My brother and sister were able to make it with their significant others and family and lots of Nick's wonderful co-workers stopped by for a few hours to enjoy our newly blessed home and table of Filipino, Hawaiian, Italian, and American foods.
Truthfully, as wonderful as our new home is, it's still extremely odd for me to wake up in this new place. "Home" before my trip was a highrise apartment in downtown Boston. But, here are my clothes, my robe, and all my books neatly arranged in little folds in Shaker Heights, Ohio as if I've been living here for quite some time. I have no memories here, but all my things are hung as if I've hung them myself. My shoes are arranged as if I left them in my closet. It's a strange feeling. Like I have amnesia and everyone keeps saying, "Welcome Home!" and I have no idea what this house is all about just yet. I'm not used to its noises or the way the cabinets swing open or the creepiness of a dark basement.
Sunday evening, Nick and I went down to Columbus to spend time with his siblings. Kelly, his sister, is getting married in a little over two weeks and it was a nice opportunity to spend quality time before a big event like a wedding. As exciting as they are, as emotional as they can be, weddings are not exactly the time to talk for long periods of time. So we relaxed by a BBQ and caught up. I fell asleep on a couch and while I was asleep, everyone else has decided to move on to a bar to end the evening. I cannot convey how disoriented I was when I woke up after a 4 hour nap to find a completely dark room and a TV the size of a garage door in front of me that was "on" but the screen was black so all I heard were stranger's voices. Talk about intense confusion, I didn't know if I was in Boston, the Philippines, or in Shaker Heights, Ohio. I was right on the fourth try, "Oh, right...we're in Columbus today."
So life continues to become more and more familiar to me as we settle and make this house our home, a place we will be staying for awhile. I marvel at the small things - seeing the orange plastic wrapped Plain Dealer laying in our driveway, the blooming flowers, and the breeze through our windows. Eleven addresses in eleven years makes one grateful for the steadiness of home. Nine weeks in another country makes one ecstatic to be able to call this blessing a "home."
O-U-T last night at 10pm and fell asleep with all my jewelry on and my cell phone in my right hand. Don't ask me who I was on the phone with because, as Nick has been describing, "You were so tired, I don't even know if you knew your own name."
Well, I do know my own name. Now.
We had a lovely housewarming party on Saturday and it was a glorious day with lots of sunshine in and out of the house. Tom and Katie Ward tromped into our new digs all the way from Cincinnati, as did my former roomies Claire Mugavin and Lea Minniti Shephard. A nice XU reunion for all as Pete Kosoglov stopped in, just back from Scotland. My brother and sister were able to make it with their significant others and family and lots of Nick's wonderful co-workers stopped by for a few hours to enjoy our newly blessed home and table of Filipino, Hawaiian, Italian, and American foods.
Truthfully, as wonderful as our new home is, it's still extremely odd for me to wake up in this new place. "Home" before my trip was a highrise apartment in downtown Boston. But, here are my clothes, my robe, and all my books neatly arranged in little folds in Shaker Heights, Ohio as if I've been living here for quite some time. I have no memories here, but all my things are hung as if I've hung them myself. My shoes are arranged as if I left them in my closet. It's a strange feeling. Like I have amnesia and everyone keeps saying, "Welcome Home!" and I have no idea what this house is all about just yet. I'm not used to its noises or the way the cabinets swing open or the creepiness of a dark basement.
Sunday evening, Nick and I went down to Columbus to spend time with his siblings. Kelly, his sister, is getting married in a little over two weeks and it was a nice opportunity to spend quality time before a big event like a wedding. As exciting as they are, as emotional as they can be, weddings are not exactly the time to talk for long periods of time. So we relaxed by a BBQ and caught up. I fell asleep on a couch and while I was asleep, everyone else has decided to move on to a bar to end the evening. I cannot convey how disoriented I was when I woke up after a 4 hour nap to find a completely dark room and a TV the size of a garage door in front of me that was "on" but the screen was black so all I heard were stranger's voices. Talk about intense confusion, I didn't know if I was in Boston, the Philippines, or in Shaker Heights, Ohio. I was right on the fourth try, "Oh, right...we're in Columbus today."
So life continues to become more and more familiar to me as we settle and make this house our home, a place we will be staying for awhile. I marvel at the small things - seeing the orange plastic wrapped Plain Dealer laying in our driveway, the blooming flowers, and the breeze through our windows. Eleven addresses in eleven years makes one grateful for the steadiness of home. Nine weeks in another country makes one ecstatic to be able to call this blessing a "home."
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