Evening on the first day of 2012. I suppose it would be almost sacriligious, not to mention extremely out of character, for me to neglect making an entry on the first day of a new year. The incurable optimist in me still believes that there are always new beginnings, opportunities to start afresh, regardless of what day it happens to be. So why should this year be any different than the last 55?
Most of today was spent avoiding the dust storm that is our front hallway. At last year's parish/school auction, we purchased quite a few hours of remodeling labor from a family-owned company, who are members of our parish, and delightful people. Not to mention awesome contractors. This seemed at the outset like a fairly simple project - removal and replacement of the flooring in our front entryway and powder room. Not a huge amount of space; less than 180 square feet. So we thought we'd help the process along by doing the demolition work prior to our master remodeler's arrival next weekend. Silly me - I always assume that projects are as simple as they appear to the untrained eye. Oy. This floor was installed with industrial strength, super powered adhesive that would likely survive Armageddon. I figured a couple of good hammer swings and we'd be on our way. Not so fast, bucko. It took my two able-bodied and determined menfolk the better part of 3 days to get rid of the stuff that's been there for 25 years. The Pyramids were not built as securely! Perhaps the dust will completely settle in time for installation of the new floor. All of which does wonders for the barking seal.....
Just as I arrived home from an escape to the grocery store (which shows you just how desperate I was to avoid the demolition), eldest son Brian was on the phone from chilly Kenosha. Nothing unusual about that; Sunday afternoon or evening, depending on his work schedule, is our usual weekly chat time. But this time, the lilt in his voice suggested that something was afoot. And in fact, it appears that Brian and Liz have decided to throw back the covers under which they've been hiding the last couple of years, and once again set a date and begin planning for their long-awaited nuptials. Well, it's about bloody damn time! Actually, I totally understand their reluctance after initially announcing a date of May 29, 2009. First and foremost, the economy took a nosedive the likes of which haven't been seen since the 1930's. Then came a series of personal circumstances and events which we'll save for another time, but which had devastating effects on their ability to make any plans, or save any money. Both were determined that they would pay for this wedding themselves, without help from us. Liz's mom is not in a position to help financially. Although I had misgivings about this well-intentioned but dubious approach, I kept my mouth mostly shut. Surviving the debacle of the last almost-four years has finally convinced them that their noble and altruistic plan doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell of working. So, here we go again, on what is one of my all-time favorite activities - wedding planning! 2012 just might have some potential after all! Stay tuned.....
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