Location no. 1 is our our apartment. After Evan narrowed down all the apartments that Promove gave us based on our needs, he handed me a list of six apartments. I only went to four before calling it a day. But what we (I had Josh with me) found was pretty good place with an easy location -- that is if you consider fighting 285 traffic easy. But it's not that bad. It's two traffic lights away from I-75, so it's easy to get to, just a longer drive from Tech than anyone wants. Besides the ease/distance for the drive, it is a nice apartment, and more importantly, it's one we can afford.
Our second location is The GT Alumni House and that's for our reception site. We are both really excited about this place. It's a great venue and only three blocks away from All Saints' Episcopal Church! Both the church and the Alumni House have lots of parking spaces. Both lots should be able to support the number of guests we expect (combined if not alone).
And our last location is our individual locations for the rest of the summer. We will get to see each other this weekend for a few days and then not again until August 20th. This weekend we will be at a lake house in North Carolina that belongs to a former neighbor and remaining friend of the Valdyke family. After this weekend though, I'll be in a sunny Quantico, VA for Officer Candidate School. Evan will be vacationing with his family at their island in Minnesota. So while Evan is off having fun in a cabin surrounded by a lake, I will be running around surrounded by my peers all drenched in sweat. But I graduate on August 21st; family day is the day before.
Oh yeah, did I mention that Tech starts on August 23rd?
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
I think I've found my dress
Yesterday was a great day! And it didn't even start out to be as great as it was. Evan's family was in Charlotte, NC for his cousin's high school graduation. They were going to make a special trip through Macon, GA to meet my mom for lunch. Evan is the only one from his family to have met my mom. She was shorthanded at the State Farm where she works, so she wasn't able to make it there, but I bargained to have Josh with me instead. Since we were going to be meeting in Macon, I thought it would be a good idea to stay at Lindsay's house the night before.
My good day started out when I took Josh with me to go apartment hunting in Atlanta. We visiting several places and liked about half of them. They each have their reason for why I like them (price, location, neighborhood, etc.) but there were three that stood out. The first one, Conservatory at Druid Hills, stood out due to its love for pets and it's location in a great area of Atlanta. It's also within the perimeter. There is a dog park for residents! Some rooms have fireplaces, some have decks/patios, kitchen was satisfactory (and the "tour guide" was from Milledgeville). The fourth(?) place we went to, Forest Hills, has a great price! They also have options with a loft and a spacious, private patio area. But that's about all they have. The bathrooms are tiny! It's good that those doors open out instead of in to the bathroom like most other bathrooms I've come across in my life. The last place we went to, The Abbey of East Cobb, had very friendly staff, pet and family friendly. Two features stand out that make The Abbey the best choice: 1) It's two traffic lights away from I-75 N! It's so easy to get to. 2) The entire complex was redone in 2008, including the kitchen. The kitchen that I saw at The Abbey stood out from ALL of the kitchens I had seen at ANY apartment I have checked out. It is small, but plenty of cabinet space and new appliances. (They also had spacious bathrooms!)
Then Josh and I went to Chick-fil-a for lunch before my orthodontist appointment at 2 pm. I had the new #2 which was a chicken sandwich with cheese, lettuce, and tomato. And then off to the orthodontist. It was my last adjustment, so I was already excited about that part. I thought I was going to have to wait 2 weeks before they could come off. But Dr. E told me to make an appointment for the next available time. IN ONE WEEK MY BRACES COME OFF! Yay! On the way to Macon, I told Josh that I wasn't sure which I was more excited about: getting my braces off next week or seeing Evan tomorrow. Josh and I both thought that I was more excited about the permanent mouth-piece being extracted next week.
And then Josh and I arrived at Lindsay's house. We had dinner then Lindsay wanted to show me her wedding dress she had chosen earlier in the week. So she and I went to David's Bridal to see her try her dress back on. Then she turned to me and said, "You know you want to try some on." I gladly put up the fight to try some on. I tried a few on. There were ones I liked, and didn't like at all. I kept on truckin' through the dresses I had chosen. There was one that I liked a lot but it was restricting, and short. There was another that was a "high to low." I liked the "high," but not the "to low" part. And then there was my dress. Yes, my dress. When I was wearing, I felt strong, without being masculine, and sexy, without being trampy. I like the minimal beading, the neckline, and surprisingly I like the train. I wasn't sure if I was going to love Lindsay or hate her for pressuring me into trying dresses on, but I do love her for it. Thanks, Lindsay!
My good day started out when I took Josh with me to go apartment hunting in Atlanta. We visiting several places and liked about half of them. They each have their reason for why I like them (price, location, neighborhood, etc.) but there were three that stood out. The first one, Conservatory at Druid Hills, stood out due to its love for pets and it's location in a great area of Atlanta. It's also within the perimeter. There is a dog park for residents! Some rooms have fireplaces, some have decks/patios, kitchen was satisfactory (and the "tour guide" was from Milledgeville). The fourth(?) place we went to, Forest Hills, has a great price! They also have options with a loft and a spacious, private patio area. But that's about all they have. The bathrooms are tiny! It's good that those doors open out instead of in to the bathroom like most other bathrooms I've come across in my life. The last place we went to, The Abbey of East Cobb, had very friendly staff, pet and family friendly. Two features stand out that make The Abbey the best choice: 1) It's two traffic lights away from I-75 N! It's so easy to get to. 2) The entire complex was redone in 2008, including the kitchen. The kitchen that I saw at The Abbey stood out from ALL of the kitchens I had seen at ANY apartment I have checked out. It is small, but plenty of cabinet space and new appliances. (They also had spacious bathrooms!)
Then Josh and I went to Chick-fil-a for lunch before my orthodontist appointment at 2 pm. I had the new #2 which was a chicken sandwich with cheese, lettuce, and tomato. And then off to the orthodontist. It was my last adjustment, so I was already excited about that part. I thought I was going to have to wait 2 weeks before they could come off. But Dr. E told me to make an appointment for the next available time. IN ONE WEEK MY BRACES COME OFF! Yay! On the way to Macon, I told Josh that I wasn't sure which I was more excited about: getting my braces off next week or seeing Evan tomorrow. Josh and I both thought that I was more excited about the permanent mouth-piece being extracted next week.
And then Josh and I arrived at Lindsay's house. We had dinner then Lindsay wanted to show me her wedding dress she had chosen earlier in the week. So she and I went to David's Bridal to see her try her dress back on. Then she turned to me and said, "You know you want to try some on." I gladly put up the fight to try some on. I tried a few on. There were ones I liked, and didn't like at all. I kept on truckin' through the dresses I had chosen. There was one that I liked a lot but it was restricting, and short. There was another that was a "high to low." I liked the "high," but not the "to low" part. And then there was my dress. Yes, my dress. When I was wearing, I felt strong, without being masculine, and sexy, without being trampy. I like the minimal beading, the neckline, and surprisingly I like the train. I wasn't sure if I was going to love Lindsay or hate her for pressuring me into trying dresses on, but I do love her for it. Thanks, Lindsay!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
So much to do; so little time
Sorry it has been so long since a post has been made, but Evan and I have been busy. Right now Evan is on a ship somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean and I just got back from Camp Rainey Mountain where I spent a week helping instruct/chaperon MCJROTC cadets. So not much has happened in the past week, but a few things have happened before we both left.
Our dear friends at All Saints' Episcopal Church have graciously agreed to allow us to be married at their church. Evan and I feel so blessed to be able to have this opportunity. The first day we started working with them, they were more helpful than any other church we worked with (you know which one I'm talking about). In about two days, they offered to give us a space as well as allowing us to use Rev Pat from St. Luke's. They had been more than helpful; in fact, they did all of the work. Geoffrey from All Saints' personally spoke to Fr. Dan about our situation to find out if they wouldn't or couldn't marry us due to lack of space. Here's the real kicker that demonstrates lack of communication at St. Luke's: Fr. Dan did not know that there was a time conflict with our wedding time and the re-scheduled musicians' practice. This leads me to believe that someone did not put our chosen wedding time on the church calendar. So when the practice had to be re-scheduled, there was no issue because our wedding was not on the calendar. [That is an assumption, but makes perfect sense so I have no trouble jumping.]
On another note, Evan has been working on finding a place for us to live for the next year. We first started our apartment hunting with the aid of the internet. Then went to those places we found, but along the way we saw more apartments we should check out. When we went to one place, they suggested we use Promove. It is a free service that does all the apartment searching for us. So we stopped by Promove later and they handed us a bajillion apartments that were within our price and proximity range. Evan narrowed them down to about six different places. Since I live closer to Atlanta, I will pick up where he left off and visit those apartments to make the final decision. YAY EVAN!
On the 22nd of June, my mother, Pat (a family friend and not the priest), myself, and possibly Lindsay will go up to Atlanta to do some stuff. We'll narrow down vendor choices, sign contracts, go to the seamstress who will make my dress, get inspired for the reception, and most importantly we will go to The Flying Biscuit.
Our dear friends at All Saints' Episcopal Church have graciously agreed to allow us to be married at their church. Evan and I feel so blessed to be able to have this opportunity. The first day we started working with them, they were more helpful than any other church we worked with (you know which one I'm talking about). In about two days, they offered to give us a space as well as allowing us to use Rev Pat from St. Luke's. They had been more than helpful; in fact, they did all of the work. Geoffrey from All Saints' personally spoke to Fr. Dan about our situation to find out if they wouldn't or couldn't marry us due to lack of space. Here's the real kicker that demonstrates lack of communication at St. Luke's: Fr. Dan did not know that there was a time conflict with our wedding time and the re-scheduled musicians' practice. This leads me to believe that someone did not put our chosen wedding time on the church calendar. So when the practice had to be re-scheduled, there was no issue because our wedding was not on the calendar. [That is an assumption, but makes perfect sense so I have no trouble jumping.]
On another note, Evan has been working on finding a place for us to live for the next year. We first started our apartment hunting with the aid of the internet. Then went to those places we found, but along the way we saw more apartments we should check out. When we went to one place, they suggested we use Promove. It is a free service that does all the apartment searching for us. So we stopped by Promove later and they handed us a bajillion apartments that were within our price and proximity range. Evan narrowed them down to about six different places. Since I live closer to Atlanta, I will pick up where he left off and visit those apartments to make the final decision. YAY EVAN!
On the 22nd of June, my mother, Pat (a family friend and not the priest), myself, and possibly Lindsay will go up to Atlanta to do some stuff. We'll narrow down vendor choices, sign contracts, go to the seamstress who will make my dress, get inspired for the reception, and most importantly we will go to The Flying Biscuit.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
What else floats?
What also floats in water?
No not a duck! GO BACK TWO! There we go! Churches. That is our discussion for today.
Jennifer and I are having to change churches. Essentially St. Luke's has just pushed around to the point we don't want to be there anymore, and they finally set down the 21 ton weight that broke the camel's back.
What happened? Well, Jennifer and I booked the church on the 4th at 2 pm. Paid a $600 deposit (which we are getting back thank goodness) to ensure this. On the 16th of this month we were informed that the churches morning event had to be pushed back and that we would have to have a morning or evening wedding. What is the morning event? A practice for their Sunday Service event on the 5th. And they said there is nothing they can do about it. It would cause problems for too many people apparently. Never mind the following facts
1- 6 and 1/2 months away, people can adjust their calendars this far out to come to practice the weekend before, or Friday evening.
2- They didn't even try to do anything, just told, not asked us, but told us to choose a new time
3- We paid for the time. I wish we had signed something really, just so they'd have to try and break a contract. Bet they would have looked for alternatives then.
4- What about how it would effect all the people coming the our event? Why were we, the people who had paid and church members, we we had to essentially fight to become, and all our guests and family secondary to this?
5- Had I asked for the morning, they would have said no, we have a church event. So why when the event coordinator says they need to change to the afternoon is our wedding not a church event. We are members, and did pay. That should be set in stone.
So yeah, we are changing churches. St Luke's has definitely not made us feel welcome (they made us wait outside in the cold one day since we didn't have an appointment while they let someone else in). And then there was the membership fiasco.
ANYHOW! We are going down to All Saints at the Corner of Peachtree and North Ave.
So instead of the church looking like this
It will look more like this I imagine
Notice the difference? Wow! That's right. They cooperate and make us feel welcome at All Saints. Good eye, that's hard to tell from the pictures.
I other news, our cool idea for a Germany Honeymoon was blown apart today by the Navy. Thanks anyways Jaime! We are going to have to stay in the US. I am thinking of going either here or here. That's right! Don't forget the Nuge! And the flag makes that the US right. That's how it works. Pretty sure I learned that in history class. And don't say I can't get to the moon. The picture has a guy in it. So :P
Oh and post in this webzone if you want a pizza roll. I'll mail you a pizza role. I have about 5 left. Get them while they are still hot.
No not a duck! GO BACK TWO! There we go! Churches. That is our discussion for today.
Jennifer and I are having to change churches. Essentially St. Luke's has just pushed around to the point we don't want to be there anymore, and they finally set down the 21 ton weight that broke the camel's back.
What happened? Well, Jennifer and I booked the church on the 4th at 2 pm. Paid a $600 deposit (which we are getting back thank goodness) to ensure this. On the 16th of this month we were informed that the churches morning event had to be pushed back and that we would have to have a morning or evening wedding. What is the morning event? A practice for their Sunday Service event on the 5th. And they said there is nothing they can do about it. It would cause problems for too many people apparently. Never mind the following facts
1- 6 and 1/2 months away, people can adjust their calendars this far out to come to practice the weekend before, or Friday evening.
2- They didn't even try to do anything, just told, not asked us, but told us to choose a new time
3- We paid for the time. I wish we had signed something really, just so they'd have to try and break a contract. Bet they would have looked for alternatives then.
4- What about how it would effect all the people coming the our event? Why were we, the people who had paid and church members, we we had to essentially fight to become, and all our guests and family secondary to this?
5- Had I asked for the morning, they would have said no, we have a church event. So why when the event coordinator says they need to change to the afternoon is our wedding not a church event. We are members, and did pay. That should be set in stone.
So yeah, we are changing churches. St Luke's has definitely not made us feel welcome (they made us wait outside in the cold one day since we didn't have an appointment while they let someone else in). And then there was the membership fiasco.
ANYHOW! We are going down to All Saints at the Corner of Peachtree and North Ave.
So instead of the church looking like this
It will look more like this I imagine
Notice the difference? Wow! That's right. They cooperate and make us feel welcome at All Saints. Good eye, that's hard to tell from the pictures.I other news, our cool idea for a Germany Honeymoon was blown apart today by the Navy. Thanks anyways Jaime! We are going to have to stay in the US. I am thinking of going either here or here. That's right! Don't forget the Nuge! And the flag makes that the US right. That's how it works. Pretty sure I learned that in history class. And don't say I can't get to the moon. The picture has a guy in it. So :P
Oh and post in this webzone if you want a pizza roll. I'll mail you a pizza role. I have about 5 left. Get them while they are still hot.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
More introductions
Today, Evan and I met with our officiant, Rev Patricia Grace, from St. Luke's. We made our 04 Dec 2010 date official and discussed what our premarital counseling sessions would be like. We learned a little bit about each other and got answered any questions we had for each other. Overall, it was pretty simple.
One issue she cringed at was that we (especially myself) want two ring bearers and two flower girls. And if you know who those four are going to be, you would not cringe. Instead you would be exceptionally thrilled! My two nieces, nephew, and godson are adorable, kind, and downright wonderful!
I have known Joey all his life (he'll be 5 in July). He is the son of my Maid of Honor, Lindsay. He is super brilliant! He can tell you about dinosaurs, teach you some new vocabulary, and stay entertained for hours. He sings all sorts of songs, including originals. He loves his mommy! He used to bring her "presents" from his playground (rocks, sand). On a recent playdate to the Children's Museum of Atlanta, he played very well with the other children and helped take entertain Cameron.
This is my first and only nephew. He is the son of my older sister Jessi. Cameron is a chubby ball of energy. He is super sweet and almost always smiling. I think the only time he's not smiling is when he's asleep. He loves exploring, learning, and getting dirty. Even though he may be entertained with just a piece of chalk and some sidewalk, his nearly-two-year-old self will just as quickly get up and start running. He runs everywhere; he somehow skipped the stage of walking. He loves my brother Josh. No one or thing else at my house matters until after he's found Josh -- not even a ball, which is saying something.
Kenleigh is my first niece given to me by my oldest sister Jaime. They currently live in Spangdahlem, Germany. I got the opportunity to visit and stay with for two weeks last Christmas/New Year's. So I got to spend plenty of time with Kenleigh and Jaime then. She was a doll! Sweet, entertaining, talkative, energetic, and fun! I was pretty much constantly laughing at her because she's so funny. And now that she has a baby sister, she does a great job of helping take care of her. I have no doubt that she will also do a great job of helping her sister walk and throw some flower petals (it won't be her first rodeo).
I've never met Aislynn before in person. So, I don't know much about her personality. I know that she is kind of bipolar. I heard her once on the phone where she was crying for attention (and possibly because she was hungry) and then she starts laughing for no real reason other than she's a bipolar baby. Last I heard, she was attempting to crawl on her own. And I think that is good progress towards my demand of her must being able to walk by 04 Dec. Jaime is doing a great job helping her to reach that. But even if she can't walk by Dec, I'm sure Kenleigh will be dragging her sister "Aisawynn" down the aisle either way. Tongue out, eyes open seems to be her signature look.
One issue she cringed at was that we (especially myself) want two ring bearers and two flower girls. And if you know who those four are going to be, you would not cringe. Instead you would be exceptionally thrilled! My two nieces, nephew, and godson are adorable, kind, and downright wonderful!
Joel "Joey" Hood
Cameron Leverette
Kenleigh Turner
Aislynn Turner
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