But can they dance?

Since I blogged at you last our lab has successfully moved from one building to another. Not that there weren’t quite a few bumps along the way – but thankfully one of our lab members took it upon herself to be our “full time” moving coordinator and contact person. She had a binder and everything. She also knew everyone involved, their phone number, and could find the answer to any question we had. Poor woman almost had a breakdown, but she’s on a very well-deserved vacation this week so I hope she regains her sanity. Mostly we are functional again – but not quite back up to full steam. At the very least nothing material was broken, and no one was injured. Our boss even took vacation the day we moved and the 3 days after. He knew better than to stick around.

Now my desk is no longer in an office, but rather in a large space of cubicles. We do have a big window, so that’s good. But sound certainly travels here. The lab right across from us plays music that can be heard through the door/wall. That I don’t really have a problem with. It’s the broken-English karaoke hour that has been both entertaining and annoying.

In other news: F and I have kind of started to preliminarily plan for our extremely informal reception next summer. That translates into: I’ve done an internet search on venues, I’ve asked my coworkers for suggestions, and I picked up *the* Rochester Wedding Magazine that only comes out once a year. Basically it’s full of ads – and most of those are for photographers and/or videographers – things I don’t need. Leafing through it last night I was getting discouraged – but lo and behold! At the very end was a 3-page chart of reception locations. I figure that’s the best place to start.

Originally I wanted a “family reunion” feel to it: have it at a park, cater in BBQ, plenty of adult beverages (otherwise my family may not come), have everyone show up in shorts & T-shirts. Easy, right? Casual? Plenty of time to eat and talk to everyone (two complaints I’ve heard over and over from married friends). Well, there are only 3 parks that have amenities for such a shindig, and one of them won’t allow kegs (could be worked around) and one won’t allow alcohol at all. I’m sure that makes park #3 rather popular. Also, all three have noise restrictions – which would really put a damper on getting our groove on.

Now we have to start considering some more “up-scale” options as we don’t want to put all of our eggs in one basket. There are a handful of Mayo-related venues in town (the original Mayo brothers’ homes, and a barn of theirs that’s converted into event space) but, of course, rumor has it that they’re extremely popular and therefore booked out for years.

There are a couple of other “unique” places to consider that the Wedding Magazine thoughtfully provided that we’ll have to call on. They may require a bit of a hike to get there, but Rochester is not lacking in the chartered transportation business. I just don’t want to have it at a hotel or any other “ballroom” type space. Like I said, BBQ, T-shirts and shorts. We need to be outside.

A woman in a neighboring lab has a horse farm with lots of lawn. I think that would be ideal. We could set up a tent, have our booze, AND she promised we could have loud music. Previously we’d eyed the home of one of F’s (now former) coworkers. But then he had to go and get himself arrested and that kind of put a damper on things. F says “It could still be in the running. He hasn’t been convicted yet!”

Um, yeah, put that on the bottom of the list.

Already, at this early stage, I am hating planning. I do not find this “fun” or “enjoyable” in any way. One of my college roommates thoughtfully pointed out to me that starting this early ensures continual planning until the event actually happens. I hope to all that’s holy that isn’t the case. Otherwise, F may be planning this on his own.