Marriage Veteran

Dutch and I have been married for a whole FOUR DAYS! Now that we have some perspective we can share some of the deep wisdom we have learned about long term commitment.

• Pandora.com is key to marital musical harmony. Dutch put together a "quick mix" that includes some of my favorite genres. If you haven't checked it out, we recommend it. You plug in a favorite song title or band and then it generates a radio station that includes your original pick in addition to other things their computer thinks you may like. If you don't like it, you can skip it. Dutch's QuickMix link.
• Don't Pack Champagne In Duffel Bags Unless You Want Your Clothes to Smell Like Yesterday's Wino. Its true. Really. Because if you do that, you are likely to set the duffel bag on top of an SF Weekly newstand and then it might fall off and then you'll realize, belatedly, that a bottle of champagne is under a lot of pressure.
• Looking for a city apartment is a Lifestyle Choice. We stay up late every night trolling Craigslist for cheap apartments, and then we make lots of calls, send stacks of emails and spend entire weekends going to open houses with our credit reports clutched in our sweaty hands.
• All of the above is actually fun with good company.
  

See ya' at the Courthouse

Pictured-- inside of Big Red, Dutch's second-hand tux jacket and my recycled dress, ensconced safely from prying groomish eyes in its recyclable garment bag. And the bag of goodies from Victoria's Secret. Yes, I know, very mallish. There wasn't time to go to the boutique french place.

Yup, I'll be there today. Twice. Once to get the license and again to get the vows. I got a call late last night from my substitute. She said she had a 102 degree temp and felt worse than "dog shit." I left a message with the secretary, and that was all I could do. I have many more exciting things to freak out about.

Last Day of Being Unmarried

People Who Are Married, You Have My Deepest Respect

My wedding, so far, has been pretty straightforward. My family has rallied around me, taken me shopping, given me cash, and generally showered me with love and affection. I feel like I could write a book, Wedding Planning for those Who Have Nice Families and 1 Week. All of that said, I am still falling apart! I have one more week of school left and I am taking three days off this week, but this Tuesday and Friday are days I have to work. Then summer vacation starts next week.

I am losing track of all the things that are changing this month- my name, my legal status, my tax status, my home and address, my work status, my social status... and I really want my hair to change. I hope I have time to visit the salon today. We still have to get Dutch a ring.

Numbers, a Blessed Constant

Although, I can say with some confidence, that my phone number and social security number will stay the same. I am not holding my breath, though.

Champagne, In Four Easy Steps

1) I went to Costco yesterday because I had a free hour to get some champagne. I know nothing about it, so I bought three bottles of varying prices, hoping that at least one will be drinkable.

2) Wrangling with the Cosquinos. I don't recommend it, especially if your debit card looks like a credit card. And don't expect them to treat your $30 bottles of booze with any extra wrapping. I lost, of course. I gave them my money, and I took the bottles home in a cardboard tray.

3) Big Red vs Parking Structure. Although Big Red is an impressive metal object, the cinderblock Costco parking structure is a bit larger and heavier, and in the case of a collision, my money's on the parking structure. Sorry, Big Red.

4) After all this is done, consult with your catering-veteran roommate. vT recommended the Veuve. Naturally, I dismissed that bottle because it was so expensive. Silly me.