lifestyles of the rich and famous

Kent and I are officially married. Our long, drawn out two month engagement was tough, but we made it through and became man and wife on August 9, 2008. It was honestly one of the most wonderful days of my life. Thank you to all of our friends and family who helped with everything and who came from near and far to support us. We appreciate and love all of you.

As you may or may not know, Kent and I are living in Long Beach, also known as 'the LBC'. I never thought I'd live here because I assumed it was a thug zone (yes, I just said thug...thank you hip hop artists for shaping my image of this city), but it's not. Well, not all of it. We live in a nice neighborhood across from a cemetery and the houses surrounding us are all restored 1950s homes--cute, quaint, perfect for the average 3.2 person suburban family complete with a dog. Our house might be an exception though. I think we might be the questionable neighbors on the block.

Long story short, we're living in Kent's grandmother's home. (Click here to read more about Helmi and the house). Fortunately, the house is in better condition thanks to the hard work of Kent's family and Jojo's? crew, but we have our work cut out. Here's a brief tour for your viewing pleasure (Warning: There are over 10 pictures in this post. I'll try not to exceed that limit in the future.):

Here she is.

The Neapolitan colors go so well together.

This priceless artifact brings me joy every time I enter the house.
(Kent just noticed it today)

We don't believe in niceties like cable, we prefer rabbit ears and your
basic 8-10 local channels.

Why paint over patchwork?

How can you not like raised velvet, orange motif wallpaper? Shabby chic. I honestly want to keep this wallpaper.

A closet that might stay unfinished for awhile.

Most of our doorknobs look like this.

The kitchen door that leads to....

Our beautiful backyard or back "garden" as the English call it.

Isn't it a lovely garden?

I personally like this pile of paint cans, Clorox and an old car battery.
Nothing wrong with a toxic leak or two.

There are even a few shards of broken glass on the ground.

And a rusted out trash can.

Last but not least, our version of a white picket fence,

and our two car garage,

that Kent cleaned out in style last Friday.

We are actually really grateful to be living here. It needs some work, but we're looking forward to doing it. I know I mainly posted pictures of the exterior, but that is because those areas need the work so I'm providing the 'before' pictures so that everyone can see the improvements when we have our housewarming BBQ and party in October. We don't have 'before' photos of what has already been accomplished by Kent's family (awesome hardwood floors, a beautiful bathroom and an entirely new kitchen), but I'll post 'after' pictures tomorrow.