Last night we went to a free movie preview for a movie called 9. How exciting to see a movie that doesn't come out for months!!

I didn't know anything about it, really. Other than it was directed by Tim Burton (and some other people that are apparently big names). There's a trailer available, but I didn't bother watching it. When was the last time you went to see a movie like that? In my experience, seeing a movie with no prior knowledge makes it really good.

We had to wait in line a little while, and the line got really long. But we got in and had seats together - some of the last people let in had to split up. The theater hasn't been refurbished and smelled like a dirty diaper.

I don't want to tell too much about it because not knowing what was happening, I think, made it better. Although I will say it's quite scary, and really not good for smaller children. Take them to the Nightmare Before Christmas in 3D instead (and take me while you're at it!).

When I was filling out the survey, my first impression was, "I didn't like it!" I don't like scary movies. But the more questions I answered, the more I realized it was actually quite good. Even the non-scary parts had that sort of creepy crawly feeling, as to be expected. Some of the acting was great! And the story was creative, even though it had elements that you would think to be over done.

If I were recommending it to myself, I'd say, wait for it to come out on DVD. And don't see it in 3D.

This weekend was the kind of weekend I thought we’d have after the wedding – lots of things to do but not all toward a major goal.

Saturday we spent running errands and watching Iron Man. Cheesy, but fun to watch. Got a lot done with respect to getting the apartment cleaned up and organized.

Sunday we planned a full day of activities with friends. We started with breakfast at La Creperie, ‘cause breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It’s also a favorite amongst our crowd and should be amongst your crowd, too.

Then to the Natural History Museum. It’s right across from USC, and was free because it was corporate sponsor day. That is a good way to get people to come! Especially when you can charge a lot for parking. After a few hours, though, we’d seen all the exhibits, and I certainly had my fill of taxidermy.

So, back down to our apartment for Wii and drinks before a showing of Monsters vs Aliens in 3D. It was by far the best 3D movie I’ve ever seen, since the glasses never seem to work very realistically to me. The movie was pretty funny, and not all of the funny parts were in the trailer.

We also got approached by the free movie preview guy. Before, he was always hawking a movie that a) didn't sound too good and b) was on a school night. This time, though, he was promoting a new Tim Burton movie! We signed up on a quick stop home before dinner.

For dinner we got hooked up at the Boiling Crab. We’ve talked about going, but never really made the time. It was a really fun new experience, and the crab legs really were good! Next time I’d probably go on a less crowded night, but it’s worth it at least once for the experience. I'll have to watch the calories this week!

And that was the day! Unless you consider my puttering around getting ready for the week. Always time well spent.

Getting married is a big change. Even when you already live together. The biggest of which, actually, is changing your name.

I don’t have that many married friends (the one I had thought I might pester is actually out with a brand new cute little baby … and probably needs a nap). So, like all other wedding questions, I figured I’d just look on the internet ATW. Plus, I kind of knew I needed the official marriage certificate, and I knew you start this epic journey at the social security office.

Plus, it’s easy. I’m not hyphenating. I’m not moving names around. People do this all of the time, and I have a freakin’ master’s degree. Easy, in theory.

I wanted to get on it as soon as we got home from the honeymoon. No foot dragging here! But that first week back was hectic and I didn’t quite get around to it.

Plus, there’s the matter of coordination. Do you change your name before you line up all of your finances, or after? Before, or after you move? I can’t tell you how many times you need a driver’s license with a current address (and a current name!) when you move.

Luckily, the very next week I ran in to a friend who got married a couple of years ago. We’ll call her the wedding planner extraordinaire, because she’s the most organized person I’ve ever seen. Anyway, she offered to send me her list of instructions (always graciously accept any offers of help toward a wedding). I mentioned that I hadn’t gotten around to it yet, because we hadn’t actually gotten the official certificate yet. To which she says, “oh, I had to go pick ours up.”

Say. What.

Sure enough, I look at our marriage license at home. On the back: "You will not be notified that your license has been registered. You do not automatically receive a certified copy."

So … that $70 I paid was for … ? And the extra $13 to file it ... ?

Of course the time I figure this out is 9:30 pm on the one night a month the county clerk is open late.

So my caring husband helps me fill out the form to request copies and writes a check. Yeah, $13 for copy. Oh, and you need more than one, for sure.

I’m hoping it comes soon; preferably before the next late night at the county clerk, because otherwise I just wasted a stamp.