The Blonde Diaries

We have a home!

This has been quite the busy weekend for Mike and I.  A few days ago I listed out all of the things we had to make sure we got done and I am happy to report we did everything on our list.  One of the biggest things was finding a place to call home in November.  Mike’s apartment lease ended a few months ago and he has been paying month to month on the market rate.  My apartment lease ends in November which means I had to make a decision to stay where I am currently or look for a two bedroom for Mike and I to live in because I am required to give 60 day notice.

I had every intention to turn in my 60 day notice and move into the apartment complex next door but Saturday I went to my own apartment office and talked with the girl who is always friendly and nice when I see her.  So I just casually mentioned the two bedroom idea with Mike there and  my complex not only had some apartments opening up in November but they were running a special on the medium sized two bedrooms.  So needless to say I am moving but not to the complex next door.  Instead, I am just moving to the building opposite of mine across from the pool.  We will have a third floor apartment with a huge balcony overlooking a courtyard (no pool view) and vaulted ceilings.  Plus, I will not have direct sunlight on my apartment which means I can try growing plants again.

So we have a place to call home come November!

Wedding Update: Another Large Check and a Honeymoon update

After tasting many different cakes, fillings, and icings I have finally decided on a cake baker for the wedding and mailed the deposit this weekend. I am very excited as this baker (Barbara at More Than Cakes in Houston) I met with two weeks ago was super friendly and took quite a bit of time to explain everything to my mother and I. She also brought out just about every different type of cake and filling for my mother and I to try unlike some of the other places I visited. So I can now relax a little bit until October 4th when I go dress shopping. I am very scared about that but figure that it might give me a good kick in the pants to get serious on Weight Watchers. I finally got serious in the gym with running but the weight watchers seriousness needs to kick in asap.

I also have to report that I gave up on the travel agent I contacted not too long ago to help with the honeymoon. I met her at the Houston Bridal Extravaganza and had a lovely long talk with her and it seemed that she would have been a great help in planning my honeymoon vacation. Well, I emailed her exactly one month ago last Wednesday and had not heard from her at all. I emailed her again on Wednesday to see what was going on and again nothing so I officially gave up on her Saturday night and booked my cruise myself through Royal Caribbean’s website and included airfare in the booking. So we are officially going on the Mediterranean cruise next July to Italy, Croatia, Greece, and Turkey.

Travelers: More news from the airlines

Not too long ago I posted about the changes some airlines are making in order to keep afloat such as charging for drinks or bags on your flights. Well I have 2 more airlines to report on. It seems that Continental is joining the baggage fee crowd and Southwest is making a small change but nothing that will cost you anything.

If you are flying Continental, effective October 7, 2008 passengers who fly within the US, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands will have to pay $15 for the first bag. This will apply to all tickets purchased after September 5, 2008 (today!). Additionally, there are some changes to reward miles earned for flying with Continental. Effective January 1, 2009 One Pass members will earn the actual miles flown (not the 500 mile minimum per flight in the past) and Platinum members will have their excess reward mileage decrease from 125% to 100% effective March 1, 2009.

If you are flying with Southwest, take note of the following change. Effective September 9, 2008, Southwest Airlines will only accept credit cards, debit cards, and drink coupons on board the flight for your alcoholic beverage needs. This will give you the opportunity to use your Rapid Rewards Credit card (from Chase) when purchasing your beverages on board. SWA went on to say that you will earn double Reward Dollars for these purchases. If you prefer the standard snacks and soft drinks don’t worry as they will remain free.

Random Knowledge gained today

I was driving to work this morning and was listening to the radio. The morning show was based out of Houston and the hosts were discussing the law our city council is pondering: Requiring Houstonians to spay and neuter their pets. This isn’t really a new idea. In fact, the city of Los Angeles implemented a similar law in February to require citizens to spay and neuter or face fines and criminal charges. I think the criminal charge part is a little overboard but I can see how some people might just be inclined to take the fine and not deal with resolving the issue.

But what I learned from hearing them talk a little longer was that apparently there is a store online where you can go and buy fake parts to attach to your neutered male dog to make him more “manly”. What?!?! I couldn’t agree more with that sentiment. I didn’t know whether to laugh or be appalled that there are enough people out there who have “demanded” this product that it is now being mass produced and sold all over. Have you ever heard of such a thing? I am now curious to google and see what they actually look like and what you actually have to do to help your dog wear them. If you have them or have seen them please drop a comment. I am curious but a little scared to use google.

I’m leaving on a jet plane in 2 weeks

To go on my long awaited Disney vacation. I can’t believe it is here already. It seems like it was never going to get here. The only bad thing - I haven’t even started to think about packing for this trip. I only have 2 weekends to figure out what I will be wearing so that I can ensure everything is clean and in order. Add the whole “Mike working in Beaumont” thing to that and I have even less time.

The good thing is that I have a general idea of everything we will need. I found some awesome packing/traveling checklists at The Container Store a few months ago and it has everything you might possibly need to pack on that list and you just check it off as you pack so I think I will be pulling that out along with the suitcases Sunday night and get started. I also need to finish pre-ordering everything (ie purchase our Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party Tickets) and make my daily itinerary to keep track of our important reservations. Man it sounds like a lot to do and not a lot of time. I’m hoping it will go quickly and not be too overbearing.