Just Married

Tim and I were married around 4 p.m. yesterday. It was a beautiful civil ceremony at Tim's parents home. Tim's aunt Helen is a Unitarian Minister and officiated the ceremony. About 30 people sat surrounded by candlelight and white Christmas lights. There was laughter and tears. Luckily no one was hurt when one of the chairs broke. We ate, drank, and were merry. An Ipod supplied great dance music and we cut a rug. It was perfect.

FAQs

Why a red dress?

Why not? Tim and I were wanting to get married and to have something simple. We had a deadline because I wanted to move to Canada and be able to celebrate my great aunt's 100th birthday in Poland next November. When applying for residency you aren't allowed to leave the country until your residency has been processed, about 8 months. So, with a budget and a deadline I wore a dress already in my closet. Tim and I would like to have a church wedding in 2009 where we will invite my friends and family from Europe and Texas. I will then wear a white dress.

Are you taking Tim's last name?

No, they don't do that in Quebec. In fact you can't do that in Quebec.

Is your mom moving to Canada too?

No, she did her time in the cold growing up in Poland.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I am very blessed to be surrounded by such loving and supportive people. Tim and I weren't at all nervous. So here I am beginning my life as a married woman. It was so special to have the wedding a small, intimate, family affair.

Best wishes to you all in 2008. Enjoy the pictures!

Love,

Eva

I Have Arrived

Merry Christmas. First, I would like to thank all of my friends and coworkers for sending me off in true Texas fashion. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity. Please keep in touch.

Sunday, Dec. 23, 2 p.m. - My mother and I are stuck on the runway in Austin for 3 hours. Weather in Chicago is delaying our takeoff. The plane taxis back to the gate and we get out to grab dinner. I see a grackle walking around one of the gates and wonder if he is waiting for the next flight to Acapulco. We finally leave at 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 24, 3 a.m. - O'Hare is quiet. Our flight to Montrèal has been cancelled. The chairs aren't comfortable to sleep in. No food or drink is available anywhere. We aren't alone. There are about two dozen other people trying to sleep in the surrounding gates. One couple travelling with a 4 day old baby are running out of formula. This helped me keep my situation in perspective. Luckily their plane to Indianapolis finally left. As I lay trying to sleep, I was able to catch up on the whirlwind of my last week in Austin.

• Quit job
• Pack
• Sell car
• Pack
• Cancel car insurance and toll tag
• Cook for friends
• Pack
• Get Canadian dollars

My thoughts are interrupted when a little grey mouse scurries across the floor. Perhaps he was wondering if Santa would be delayed.

Mom and I finally arrive in Montrèal at 9 a.m. . . sans luggage.

Thursday, Dec. 27, 10 p.m. - After many calls, much frustration, and a few tears, my mom and I have our luggage!!!! We had to drive to the Ottawa airport to pick the bags up even though the United staff promised they would be delivered. The bags were sitting out in the open by baggage delivery. The four bags crowded together all alone by a column like orphans at Ellis Island.

Morals of the story:

1. Two Christmases are better than one
2. Don't fly United
3. Avoid O'Hare at all costs

I am now off for a sleigh ride!

Best wishes,

Eva