Technology is pretty amazing

Technology these days is pretty unbelievable. As I sit here at work, staring at the clock slowly tick away (only 30 more minutes and I'm out of here to go unpack!), I am watching Lexi play at doggie day care. And, yes, they have webcams so I can keep an eye on her as long as I have a computer to log on to their website. It's just amazes me what you can do with a camera and computer. I/anyone can watch her in any part of the building. Sure, it's not the best picture, but it's something, and it's entertaining. It's fun being able to watch her interact with the other dogs. Not to mention, when we pick her up she usually has slobber all over her from playing and she is tired for days. We don't take her to daycare often, but it is a nice option when we want a very tired dog. Our hope is that she is really wiped out so we can get as much unpacked as possible, and sleep nice. The house is going to be a whole new world to her.

Homeowners!!!

I am happy, and proud, to say we are officially homeowners! It only look about 140 pages, but the closing wrapped with out any problems. I, of course, don't know any better as this is the first house I've been a part of purchasing, but I heard today that closings can go terribly wrong. The guy with the title company had a rough one last night. He said the two sides ended up throwing the papers at each other. UGLY. He also mentioned that one time a woman hit another woman in the head with a phone. Crazy. Fortunately, we made it easy for him and were out of there in a decent amount of time.

I think it has helped a lot that the owners know Drew and are excited about him (us) moving back into the neighborhood. Drew has been over to talk with them numerous times and they have us their cell phone numbers to call if we have any questions. Ultimately, I think they will be itching to come back and spend time in the neighborhood. They even mentioned that another neighbor wants to have a dual welcome to the neighborhood/goodbye party. Very sweet.

We will officially be residents tomorrow. The old owners plan to be out by tomorrow morning (they already have Drew a couple keys and garage door opener) and then it will be move in time! Thank you mother nature for bringing a heat wave this weekend! I blame Drew because he says it is always hot when he moves. I'll let you know how it goes. We still have more things to pack tonight, but at least we got the big stuff out yesterday.

So much to do, so little time

Once in a blue moon Drew and I have weekend plans together. Real weekend plans. I'm not talking about plans to go out for dinner or plans to take Lexi to the park. I'm talking per-scheduled party plans or a night out with friends. Drew works a lot on the weekends, we are consciously trying to save money and ultimately, we are just a bit far from our friends. All that said, packing should be easy. WRONG! I don't know if there was a full moon last weekend or what, but our schedule was jammed packed. Saturday Drew had a funeral to work, then we had a semi-work/Army event to attend for Drew (which was a good hour and 15 minutes away) and a birthday party. We also stopped over at my aunt and uncle's house to get some boxes from them. They were gracious enough to share their boxes and tape from their move a couple of months ago. Of course, that stop was a must because we needed to get rolling on packing. Needless to say, I left the house at 11:30 a.m. and didn't get home until midnight.

Sunday was a little better for me, although Drew was gone most of that day too with work related events. I did get to spend some time with my mom at Homerama. I couldn't remember the last time I've been to a Homerama show, but I'm sure it was with my mom. It was definitely neat walking through all of the homes and finding decorating ideas. Although, it is a bit depressing too seeing monstrous homes with movie theaters and putting greens inside the basement. A couple of the homes actually felt liveable, while a few others felt too grand. It was a successful outing. I walked away with a promising paint color for the new house. (I'll let you know how that goes in the future.)

Side note: We are actually really lucky with the house we found in that there really isn't anything major we need to do. It's move in ready. The current owners recently made a lot of upgrades and most of the wall colors are subtle, and or fit nicely with the style of the home. As for painting, the only rooms I would like to paint right away are the master bedroom and the dining room. I'd like to do the master because we have really nice bedding that we received and I it would be a shame to have the room look disheveled because the walls clash with the bedding, etc. I know, I know, I am being picky. It's not a necessary thing, but it should be a quick, cheap fix. The dining room color is definitely not one we want to stick around. It's a burnt orange color, with a white chair rail. Since the floors are a lighter wood it's just too much. Drew and I both don't like it. Once we pick out a color, it shouldn't be too difficult to repaint. We don't have a lot of furniture to put in that room at this time.  

I did get some stuff packed after Homerama and before Drew got home, and over the last couple of days it's coming along, but it just never seems to end! My problem is I start in one room, pack a couple of things, then go to another room to pack. I can't seem to finish in one room before heading to the next. I'm hoping once we get some of the big furniture out of the house tonight (couch, dresser) then it will look better.

Poor Lexi has no idea what is going on at the house. She is afraid to walk anywhere where there is a box. She hides in the bedroom or follows me back and forth as I'm moving from one room to the next. She will probably be a pain in the butt tonight if we move the couch. She usually curls up in the corner to sleep. It will be fun to see how she reacts to the new house. She isn't very familiar with stairs so that will be a whole new world for her. The only stairs we have in the house now are ones to the basement and she WILL NOT go down there. We've even tried pulling her with the leash and she lays down and refuses to move. We think it's because the basement stairs are an L shape and she can't see the end.

Of course, when I talk about not having enough time, it doesn't end with this past weekend. This Friday is moving day and Drew will have to get through most of the day (in 100* heat) with out  me while I work. Then Saturday there is a family get together at my uncle's house who I don't get to see often, and Sunday we have tickets to a concert. We got the tickets about a year ago and it just happens to fall on this weekend! O boy! I suppose all this just makes for interesting stories. Lucky for us we have friends and family who are willing to help us.

Guest of Honor

I was, what you could call, the guest of honor today at Drew's work brunch. Drew is a realtor with Sibcy Cline Real Estate and today they held a brunch for all of their most recent "graduates" of their Steps Program. In layman's terms that means the brunch was for all of the new realtors who recently finished the Sibcy Cline training program. Mr. and Mrs. Sibcy hosted the event with a number of people from their management team.

Drew was able to bring a guest and I agreed to attend. Little did I know, I would be the only +1 at the brunch. I will say, it was a little strange at first (I don't like to be the odd ball/out of place), but everyone was very nice and welcoming. I think everyone is waiting, and expecting me to go into business with Drew. It was amazing how many people asked me if I worked and when I was going to go into real estate. When word got around that we've been married a month and a day... everyone was willing to give us a little advice or incorporate us into a story or speech in some regards. Then, through a bit of mingling during the start of the brunch it turns out the General Sales Manager is the dad of one of my sorority sisters. He, of course, went straight to his phone to text Brittany and during the middle of the meal announced to everyone that she had responded and said this and that about me. Again, slightly embarrassing, but funny at the same time - such a small world.

One other thing that I have to comment on is our seats at the brunch. The table was set up in an upside down U shape, with the "bottom" of the U flat. For visual people, it looked like this:  l_l   Now, Mr. and Mrs. Sibcy sat in the middle of the _ with their daughter to one side and the guest speaker on the other. Then, there was room for one more person.... DREW! Of all the people they could have assigned to that seat at the "head" of the table it was Drew! I'm not sure if it was just out of random luck or if it was planned that way, but it was neat. I really enjoyed seeing Drew interact with the owners and colleagues/classmates. He definitely has a friendly, personable personality that should bring him lots of success in the business. Not to mention, he is an extremely hard worker.

I'm not sure if it is worth noting or not, but Drew was definitely the youngest new agent in the room! He joked about when he was taking his classes, but it wasn't until I saw it in person that I knew he wasn't joking. Other than a couple people in management, EVERY single person in the room today (minus me) had had one if not multiple jobs in corporate America before deciding to take a swing a real estate. I think it tells a lot about Drew and his willingness to take a risk at something he's passionate about, even if it is going to be hard. I also know he's going to work his butt off.

Well, I think that should do it for tonight. Once this day wraps up, it's back home to pack. Moving day is right around the corner!!

Wedding Day Perfection

 Perfect. Magical. A dream come true. Those are just some of the words/phrases to describe the wedding. I could not have asked for a more memorable day. Overall everything went smoothly - no major hiccups. Really, if I had to get picky, the only thing I can think of is one or two of my bustle pick-ups broke, but that's probably from running around and dancing so much. The other 11 kept the dress in place. Other than that, the only thing Drew and I would have changed was making the reception longer! I had moments at the reception where I told myself or those I was visiting with that I "am really enjoying the night and taking it all in." So many people warn you that the day just passes you by and you don't really get to enjoy it. I fully believe and feel like I got to enjoy myself, however that is not to say it didn't fly by either. But, I think it feels like that because planning takes months, even years (in our case nearly 2!) and the event is a single day. Of course it is going to feel like it flew! For us though, it was very unique and personal "flying" day.

Luckily for me I did not have a lot of pre-wedding jitters. Sure I was nervous to walk down the aisle in front of everyone, but I did get a good night's rest and didn't have to go for a morning jog or walk as I had been anticipating. The bridal party gathered at the salon to get primped and then went back to my parents to get ready. From there we gathered for pictures outside a beautiful seminary. First me with my family. Then me with the bridesmaids. Followed by a "first look" with Drew. The, the entire bridal party.

Once at the church the girls got to relax, me especially, while the guys ushered in the guests. I won't lie, I was definitely anxious and a bit shaky before walking down the aisle. At the same time, this is probably the moment that stands out in my mind the most. As the bridal party waited behind the doors to the church I overheard my dad tell someone they were running out of room to put people. Looking through the glass on the doors, my anxious/nervous feeling turned to "wow". The pews looked packed and instead of feeling nervous I felt overwhelmed and unbelievable grateful. I thought to myself "all of these people are here to celebrate our marriage. Whether they are here to see me, or Drew, or my family or his, they are here." That is a feeling I hope I never forget.

The other stand out moment from the ceremony happened during communion. Our wonderful priest, Fr. Del, took it upon himself to have a gluten-free host for me.Unfortunately, when it came time for communion it slipped his mind and he gave me the wrong one. Drew was suspicious and asked the other priest, Fr. Rob, to check. Sure enough it was the wrong one and of course I had put it in my mouth. Fortunately, Fr. Rob offered me his hand as a napkin....and now considers himself my knight in shining armor :)

Okay, on to the reception.

My dad hinted he had something up his sleeve and he delivered (with the help of my younger brother)! First I have to say, my dad is a HUGE XU fan. HUGE! So, me being an IU alumnae means basketball is the subject of teasing and sarcasm between the two of us. You could even say it's a big part of our relationship.  Add in XU beating IU..... four or five years ago in a tournament under Sampson's reign... and you have a recipe for basketball competition - the jabs just keep coming! Of course, it doesn't help that Xavier's major, local rivals are UC and Miami - both schools Drew attended pre and post National Guard. In that case one could argue that not only did I not attend XU, but I've married the anti-XU fan :)

Since it was very important to me to have my dad give a father of the bride speech at the reception (he is not a public speaker) he decided it would be the perfect chance to initiate Drew into the family and sway him, and me, to root for the "better" team. Yes... my dad invited one of the Xavier mascots... the Blue Blob! It was great. It definitely fit our fun, joking relationship. From then on it was one big party with lots of dancing, laughing and unforgettable moments.

A HUGE thanks to my parents and family for making the day a dream come true! I know none of our happiness is possible without your love and support. And, because I don't say it enough, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. I LOVE YOU!

*Pictures courtesy Drew's sister, Gayle and my mom (phone).

Sibling shout out

Before I continue on with events from the last month I want to say a big congratulations to my younger brother Kevin. A documentary he worked on during his senior year of college is nominated for a Regional Emmy (Ohio Valley Regional Emmy) in the Documentary - Cultural/Topical category! The documentary is about the Roller Derby Queens, and it's one of four documentaries up for the award. I am so excited for him!

{Although, I think this puts a lot more pressure on him to put together a nice wedding video for us ;) Just kidding Kevin! Whatever you do will be fantastic. We're just honored you offered to make one for us.}

Keep your fingers crossed for him. The award winners will be announced July 28.

Pre-wedding obstsacle

If getting a notice for jury wasn't enough to deal with (okay, truthfully it wasn't that bad, as I had plenty of time to send in my request to change the date and it was no problem), but on Friday, the day of the rehearsal and dinner, my mom called with more news. My license expired last month and I had a post card from the BMV letting me know. I had no idea. Isn't there some sort of warning you get that your license will expire? Not to mention, I'm going to need a new one with my new name (and new address once we move!). But, with a trip to Mexico just a couple of days away, it seemed imperative that I get a new license ASAP!

BUT.. my day was already planned out! I needed to run a couple more errands. Go home. Shower. Curl my hair. Get dressed up. Pack for the next two days. Leave before rush hour to get to church on time. Getting a license was not in my schedule! So, as an emotion female before her wedding day, while standing in line at the mall with Drew and hearing the news from my mom I broke down. Yes, tears started to flow, slowly, while Drew was trying to pay for something. Let me be clear, in hindsight, it wasn't that big of a deal. But, going to the BMV was the last thing I wanted to do, on top of everything else - it was as though the state was trying to keep us from getting married! Then, I just had a fear that if I didn't get a new license I would have issues boarding the plan, traveling, etc. Luckily, we drove separately to the mall so I left and put my errands on hold. I went home, got ready, packed and made it to the BMV before rush hour and closing time. Let me tell you, I got lots of looks while I was waiting. I'm sure they thought I was some self-centered girl who needed to be all dolled up for her picture - wearing a nice dress, high heels, curled hair and makeup. Nope - just getting married tomorrow! And yes, I'll be back again soon to change my name.

 

I did make it to the rehearsal with time to spare. The rehearsal flew by quickly and then it was time to mingle and eat. Overall, I think everyone had a good time. Drew and I really wanted it to be a casual event where people could mingle and feel relaxed, not stuck in there seat.

The evening was full of personalized items and snacks to showcase our personalities.

Popcorn for me. Rice crispy treats for Drew. I even got to invite those few people who were making the trip that I don't get to see much. Its been four years since I've seen my sorority sisters Kelli (yes, since graduation!).

 

We finally got to catch up in person that night since the next day would be full of meeting and greeting guests. If you are reading Kelli, thank you for making the trip!

Mrs. Rothmeeler, signing in...

Wow, being a 'Mrs' makes me feel old! But, I'm ready to start blogging again, and boy do I have a lot to write about. Pre-wedding obstacles. Wedding excitement. Honeymoon. Getting back to reality. And, moving! So, check back frequently as my posts will be coming in spurts so I don't get overwhelmed.