02/09/2008: "Asus eee"

After a year and a half of "sharing" a single computer, Aaron and I finally decided to get a second one but most were way out of our price range. All we really needed it for was to surf the web etc. So, after quite a bit of research we got the Asus eee which just arrived today. It's a very small wireless laptop that only weighs two pounds! It's about the size and weight of a hardcover book; It's SO cute! Runs on Linux and boots up super fast, has a flash drive so no internal fans, the battery lasts 3.5 hours, and it only costs $400.00.

The keyboard is small and is taking some getting used to, but other than that, I LOVE it. It comes with quite a few programs pre-installed. All we had to do was plug in the battery, than plug in the power cord, then turn it on. It was all set to go and connected to the internet right away. It comes with a built in web cam though we need to tweak it a bit to get it to work with Skype.

Anyway, it had excellent reviews and for the money, I think you just can't beat it if you want a super light laptop.

In personal news, I stopped by JoAnn's fabric today and they were having a 50% off sale so I bought 20 yards of this gorgeous fabric (like in the photo, only ivory) to make table cloths for the picnic tables at our beach wedding. I think our colors are going to be sort of light amber and ivory, though I haven't checked with A yet. He's been pretty cool about my ideas so far. I'm having a lot more fun planning this than I thought I would...I feel like I'm turning into such a girly girl, now I'm shopping for paper lanterns and tea lights...Oh well...

We're having another major snow storm and Aaron is out plowing. He got our snowshoes and sleds out of storage today and I want to go and play tomorrow, though I will also have to go back down to shovel the boats off again but I still love the snow.

I've been having a productive weekend though I'm not painting and that always bothers me. I have an 18"x24" canvas right to the left of my computer that I stare at all day everyday but nothing is coming to me yet. I guess (as usual) I just have to get started. Maybe having a wedding and opening in the same month wasn't such a bright idea after all?

btw, if anyone wants to share money saving tips from their weddings, I'm all ears!

Replies: 2 Comments

on Sunday, February 10th, Sarita said

My husband and I got married in a park, no expense. We only invited family and very close friends, no expensive invitations. We just told one person and around it went...:) We had some people come that we didn't invite, but that worked out alright too! We made it a pot luck, which our guests were fine with because they understood our financial constraints. We chose a colour scheme of white and denim. Because my husband lives in jeans this saved money by buying him a new pair he could continue to wear after...and did...:
I bought a very simple white dress that I was later able to dye and alter to wear everyday. Our decorations were all contributed by friends and family. It was a wonderful day, sunny and beautiful. We had nearly 80 guests and the total cost was under $500. I also had a friend make the cake. Not a great decision, because she didn't decorate it the way I wanted it, but nearly 20 years later, it is a great source of amusement to all who were present. We wanted a day focused on fun and spending an important day with our loved oens, and not worrying about all the little details that wouldn't matter later. I did have concerns about this at the time, but in looking back all these years later, we have no regrets. Lots of great fun photos, still have my dress and it fits...:) I think there are always financial shortcuts. You just have to decide whats important to you and what you can let go of. I'm not a very girly girl, so I wasn't into all the associated fru-fru. I just wanted to marry the man I loved and have a great day too! Ask friends to help with food and decorations. Record your own music and have another friend be in charge of the boombox. Use nature as decor...baskets of shells, pinecones, whatever. You can spray paint stuff to coordinate colours if you want, do some baking ahead of time and freeze...like cookies, special candies or chocolates. We bought a bulk bunch of little mints, went to JoAnns and got netting and tie little bags with raffia for giveaways. Of course all the kids around got to them first, but thats part of the memories. I'll keep thinking and see what else I can come up with for you. But remember, the bottom line is the ceremony itself and the memories you will share for years to come. Al the rest just makes you feel good for the moment...;) Which isn't a bad thing either!
By the way, I'm jealous of your snow. I live in Oregon and we got about 4 inches a couple weeks ago...thats will be it for our winter...:( bummer...

on Monday, February 11th, Elise said

Wow, great tips Sarita, thanks so much! i agree with you that it's more important to me to just have a stress-free day with friends and family.

Still, I *love* throwing parties and part of me wants to have it be really nice for everyone. I don't want to spend a lot of money either so plan to use wildflowers and also will probably have it partially potluck for people who live in town.

Ahh, it's still so far away but I'd like to get everything figured out early so I can just relax and finish my show!