Me and my big mouth

[kyburg]

Well, come on. Come closer, and watch me pull flying monkeys out of my ass. It was a long time, sure, but when Mom asks, Mom gets.

About a year ago, I asked Mom what she wanted to do with her 80th birthday. It's a big birthday, at least it was with Cliff's Swiss family - his Grossi had a huge party on her 80th. Rented a restaurant, got all the family together, told stories, took pictures, sang songs, ate themselves silly -

So Mom, what do you want to do? A year ago, I said.

Well, between then and now, she's had a major surgery and an even bigger scare with cancer - and yesterday, she's ready to consider planning something fun. She wants a party. OKAY.

Uh, she wants it in Sacramento. Where her cousins, her SIL, her younger sister and her husband live and so forth.

Like, oh. 400 miles away. See?


(Hope you can see that.)

Never let it be said I walk away from a challenge.

I did conventions, baby. I did trade shows. I did conventions when I was barely old enough to sign the contracts - and I did trade shows in Vegas. Mom thinks 30 people. HAH. I can manage that many people ALL BY MYSELF.

Well, fuck, I'll have to.

One little family reunion with two meals, one night hotel stay for oh - 30 people - isn't going to bust my chops.

*meep*

So I began the Google of my life. Scored. Well, I hope so.

You can't get much odder in California than a paddlewheel steamboat parked permanently at a dock.

It ain't a Best Western. It ain't a sterile, paint-by-the-numbers business hotel (gah, I remember that Slim Shady video with Christopher Walkin - you can go anywhere in the country, and you've been in that hotel. *shivers*). It's near Old Town Sacramento, which is just a kick in the ass all by itself. It's got character.

It's also a bunch of money. Negotiations begin tomorrow. Let's see how well I do.

I also plan on printing t-shirts. This weekend, I plan to meet with Mom to get her guest list together.

I may also finally need to get the video editing software. There are home movies to edit down. I could do that - and gee, justify it for once. Fine. Now I'm wishing for kusoyaro. He'd understand. *sniffs*

*slaps self*

Ah me. This is going to be fun.

Comments

[pixievixen.livejournal.com]

if you don't get the boat, try the monte verde inn in foresthill... it's 45min-an hour up from sac, but it's a pretty drive. and it really is a lovely place. i've been to a few weddings there & they held my grampa's service there. plus, the food is awesome!

[caitlin.livejournal.com]

Have fun... =)

Don't overstress though, eh?

C.

It can't be as bad as...

[n6vfp.livejournal.com]

How does Coast to Coast with Mom and a Jack Russel Terrier sound? I survived....I almost died only once. You can do it. I'm still alive.

[feyandstrange.livejournal.com]

...and your family will cooperate and let you make the plans?

Re: my last post abut Mom going bats trying to herd our relatives for a 90th birthday; I'm envious. Wish we could go to Sacramento (and considering I'm no fan, that's saying something; ours is looking to be, for various stupid reasons, in Branson, Missouri. Yes, home of retired country music stars. Nobody in our family is a country fan except one married-in cousin. Argh.)

A salute you, and wish you the best of luck. Sorry I'm not more useful; Sacto is only this blur I drove through a few times.

[feyandstrange.livejournal.com]

...although, duh, if you need a real human rep and can't use a local relative for some reason, it's not too bad from here-there by train.

Maybe I can get *my* relaives to go to Sacramento.... Mom will kill me if I try to change her plans, but it beats the wilds of Wisconsin or Bloody Branson, and we may have to do this again next year.

[kyburg.livejournal.com]

You know, if you're up to it - see if you can find someone who silk-screens t-shirts for cheap up there. No need to schlep that stuff up there anyway...

No, I called Mom this evening and discussed it with her - I think the response was "Wow!" - so, there you go.

Will my siblings let me do all the planning? Well, I listen well if they want to suggest anything - but if I'm paying for it, doing all the work and so forth - they tend to stay out of my way....

[poetpaladin.livejournal.com]

This is gonna be a success. I just know it! :)

[secanth.livejournal.com]

You are certifiably insane. That said, it sounds like a wonderful idea, and one your Mom will love. (grin) Hope it all goes smoothly.

[feyandstrange.livejournal.com]

And don't do dumb stuff like ask for a hotel that acn accomodate their dogs?

I do envy you.

I'll ask around - I know some good local-in-SF cheap T-shirt places, but my sources may have better.

[moropus.livejournal.com]

Sure, 80 is a big birthday. And the boat sounds great. Even if they won't be reasonable about accommadations, have the party there and stay somewhere close.

[nsingman.livejournal.com]

This is a big occasion, and it sounds like you have the experience to do this in your sleep (almost). The Delta King looks really nice! I love that Captain's Quarters suite.

I hope your mother has a wonderful celebration!

[kyburg.livejournal.com]

*laughs*

They can ask, and I can say no. Those are the rules.

[kyburg.livejournal.com]

Could? I will be doing this in my sleep before it is over...*laughs*