Well, we've decided on a photographer, pretty much. Now we need you guys to buy photos after the wedding, so we get all our proofs for free. :)

The photos should be kick-ass...especially quality-wise. It's Kramer Photographers, which Gina's aunt and uncle used. The guy did a phenomenal job and there was barely a proof that was anything near bad. Plus, they use medium format photography, which is supposedly better than 35mm. Their prices weren't nearly as high as I imagined they might be, so we decided that comfort was the best draw, since we met the photographer at her aunt and uncle's wedding, saw his work and will be reserving him for our wedding (costs more, but is worth it).

So we'll be booking these guys on Wednesday after I get back from beautifully warm Miami Beach. Though it's supposed to be raining the next two days. It'll be sunny on Tuesday though, the Weather Channel says. That's good, since I'm right on the beach.

That said, I don't know, as on many of these trips, if I'll have Internet access while down there. So we'll see.

If not, have a good start to the week, everyone! :)

The end of an era is here.

The Archdiocese today announced this. My grade school is being shut down. Closed. Caput. That's it.

It's interesting, really, the feeling I have. Obviously, unlike many folks out there, I have a tightly knit group of friends from the neighborhood that all went to that school together. That was our bond--even though we grew up in the neighborhood together, we may never have met or been friends for it. But because we were at that school every day together, played basketball on the basketball team together, amongst other things, we became bound together. It sounds like a cheesy "Stand By Me" rip-off, except that the principles never grow apart, but really, it is that way with us. We've stayed together (although we've become detached from the school more or less, which makes this a bit easier, in a way...a bit).

It's amazing the kind of feelings/memories this brings up...I can't say that it's out and out sadness...it's a strange kind of sadness that is hard to describe. I guess it's the old, "it's not as good as it used to be anyway" type of sadness...the kind of nostalgic sadness, where I know that the place of many a childhood memory will be turned into a public school or something else or whatever. It just won't have the same meaning for me, I guess, even if the building remains.

I'm sure that there will be a big "sendoff" party, or one big final "alumni" event of some sort. That'll be nice, if folks can do it up just right.

I could rail on the way the neighborhood changed, and how those who came into the neighborhood didn't have the same kind of "respect" for the church/school as those who founded it years ago. I could lament the fact that, once, decades ago, it was necessary for the Catholic Church to have three schools/parishes with a square mile radius, but alas, it's now down to one. I could rail on the fact that ideals and overall comfort and nicety of the neighborhood has changed, having driven out Jewel-Osco and several other "institutions" of stability and achievement. I could rail on the new inhabitants of the neighborhood and their "temporary" attitudes about living there, which causes the instability of those "institutions." But, I won't. Besides, if you read Kim's blog, you'll see there's enough idiots in this world resisting neighborhood change. But that's a topic for another day.

This is not a time to lament what has become of my neighborhood. This is not a time to blame anyone in particular. This is a time to think of the great times I had. Back when *I* was one of the smartest kids in the class and I had a world of opportunity in front of me and the support to chase after it. Back when swear words were new and cool b/c it was so terrible to say them. Back when I got into school later because I patrolled the parking lot and raised the flag and got out early because I had to take the flag down and often was trusted to clean chalkboard erasers outside on Fridays. Back when this person liked this person and this one liked this one and it was embarrassing to everyone involved. Back when the Olympic torch passed by the school and we went outside to watch. Back in the day of, gasp!, school uniforms! Back when the Archdiocese hot lunches were some of the best food I got. Back when I got to drink chocolate milk for lunch, and it was a treat b/c I rarely got it at home. Back when home was a four-block walk. Back when the neighborhood revolved around the church and school, and everyone knew you because your parents/cousins/other family went there and/or lived right there.

And those only scratch the surface of memories from the school I spent eight years at. Even without the closing of the school, I suppose I often miss it.

Back in the day.

An era has come to a close. I just hope my children can enjoy something as good.

Man, trying to find a wedding photographer has turned into a bitch and a half. Just nothing has really "jumped out" at me or Gina, either because of the pricing, packages (or lack thereof) or the quality of the photos. It's frustrating. We know of a photographer that we're comfortable with--the one that shot her aunt and uncle's wedding. Problem is, her aunt and uncle are in a little higher tax bracket than us, if you get my drift...so, I'm a little worried about what the price might be. Secondly, her uncle said the owner of the place is a huge asshole. Personally, I don't want to deal with that...there will be enough to worry about, lest whether this huge asshole is going to nickel-and-dime us or rip us a new one.

So we'll see...plus, my eyes are just tired of looking at wedding photos of folks I don't know and don't care to know.

What's this? The Bulls, with a better record than the Lakers?

No wonder it's cold outside...

Today was much more productive.
I got a new tire, for only $60. It's nice to have a "hookup" that can take care of it for you.
I went to Borders and used the gift certificate I got from Gina's brother for Christmas. I bought "American Pharaoh," a book I've wanted for years, and asked for before, but no one ever got it for me. I read the first chapter too, and it's good so far...we'll see if my busy schedule allows me to read more of it anytime soon.
All in all, much more productive than yesterday. :) That's for sure.

Good morning to all...I finally crawled out of bed here a few minutes ago.

I believe I overdid it a bit last night. Of course, switching to Mandarin and 7ups at the bar after putting away at least 4 Leinie's Honey Weisses at Kim's was probably a stupid idea. Then, doing two shots (a Jaeger Bomb and a Red-Headed Slut) was probably also a bad idea. I made it home, and let's just say that Kim and Nick's quesadilla maker makes great food...the first time.

I promptly passed out in bed...woke up with a pretty good hangover around 9:30, but just stayed in bed all day long. Good thing I don't have to work tomorrow. I was supposed to go pick up my tire (either repaired or a new one), amongst other things. But I guess that'll all happen tomorrow instead.

The only thing I've eaten today is a handful of Saltines and a bottle of water. I still feel a tad bit queasy, but I suspect that is because my body is sapped of energy. I might make some soup in a bit here, just to keep my energy up. But otherwise, it was a "waste" of a day...but I'm not saying I couldn't have used a day in bed. I certainly will appreciate it in the near future, that's for sure. :)