So I received the Creative Reunions Photo CD in the Mail...

Have you received yours? I was really hoping for more photos. I mean, 90-ish electronic photos for $16.95 -- most of which are double-takes -- is rather disappointing!  I thought the class photo might be on it, too ... Or the formal photos we took in front of the backdrop. Nada.

Anyway, if you'd like to order a more interactive version of a lot more candid and personalized photos, just let me know. I've happily shipped off a healthy number of DVD's to classmates over the past two weeks. Yay!

http://effectiveperspectiveslb.com

Happy Day,

Deana

Reunion iMovie versus Reunion Photo CD...

First, thanks to all of you who have purchased the reunion iMovie DVD so far -- I'm blown away by the continuing kudos and orders that are coming in!

WEBSITE ANNOUNCEMENT

My website is now up, and you now have the option of purchasing the Wilson Reunion iMovie/Slideshow DVD through PayPal online. The site is still rather basic, but it's a start... Page 2 of the site shows a sample of the DVD and a fancy "buy now" button! 

The website address is: 

http://effectiveperspectiveslb.com

~~~

Second, I have received a number of inquiries about what the difference is between the CD that is being provided through Creative Reunions, and the iMovie DVD that is offered through my website.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE REUNIONS CD: 

If you purchased your reunion tickets before April 8, you should receive a free Reunion Photo CD -- that is sent directly by Creative Reunions -- and will include all of the candid photos professionally taken by the photographer at the reunion. After April 8, I believe the price from Creative Reunions for the photo CD was $16.95. 

I have been told by Creative Reunions that the Photo CD will be sent out from Creative Reunions 1-2 months after the reunion (again, that's for those of you who have already purchased it, or if you purchased your reunion tickets before April 8).

If you purchased the Memory Book (which I believe will include the candid, as well as the formal photos, taken by the photographer), will be delivered 3-4 months after the reunion.

Contact creativereunions.com if you still want/need to purchase either the Photo CD or the Memory Book.

~~~

NOW -- ABOUT MY iMOVIE/SLIDESHOW DVD:

The iMovie/Slideshow DVD that I made for the reunion, and was shown during dinner at the reunion, was my personal project, and included "now" and "then" videos and photos personally provided by classmates. This DVD has nothing to do with Creative Reunions or reunion registration. It's a separate project made from the heart, specifically for my classmates.

So again, if you'd like to order a copy of that, check out http://effectiveperspectiveslb.com and go to page 2 for more info.

~~~

One more tidbit for those of you who are still local (i.e., within Wilson limits) and have kids who might be attending Wilson some day, my husband Peter had a fun idea: 

Buy Wilson Hawaiian shirts for our 6- and 2-year-olds now and stow them away, so that when they get to high school, they'll have cool "retro" Wilson shirts to wear! And all proceeds from purchase of these shirts go directly back to Wilson.  The phone number at Wilson is (562) 433-0481.

~~~

... Until next blog ... 

... May your days be grand and your hands get dirty!

Want to get a copy of the Reunion DVD?

Hi All,

It's SATURDAY -- One week after our Reunion, and the committee and I are still receiving notes of gratitude and kudos from classmates!  It's a very rewarding feeling. THANK YOU ALL for your input and positivity. 

**A few of the many quotes from classmates**

"You guys did an awesome job."

"Thanks for making the night so special!!"

"I couldn't have imagined anything better."

"I want to DEFINITELY get the disk of the iMovie and slide show!"

ABOUT THE SLIDESHOW.

As promised, here's some information on how to get a copy of the Reunion DVD...

My personal website ran into some hurdles this week -- most of them being NO TIME to get to it -- so instead of just waiting until I perfect the site (and get that darned "buy now" button to work!), I thought I'd just give you the details on how to get the DVD here.

As you probably saw at the reunion, the DVD contains an iMovie that is slightly more than 20 minutes of music, video, photos and text compiled for your entertainment and reminiscence, that brought the class to their feet at the reunion with cheers, laughter and even some tears of happiness!  It also includes a separate, extensive slideshow of photos from then and now that didn't fit into the movie.

If you want me to mail you a copy of the DVD, send me cash/check/money order made out to Deana Rodriguez  in the amount of $10.50.  

E-mail me when you've done that, and I'll confirm when I've received your payment.

I'll send you a copy of the the DVD by priority mail, unless you request another form of delivery.

Mail payment to: 

Deana Rodriguez

Effective Perspectives

5437 Fairbrook Street

Long Beach, CA 90815

USA

Phone: (562) 961-9928.

ABOUT THE HAWAIIAN SHIRTS.

For those of you interested in purchasing a Wilson Hawaiian shirt, all proceeds from purchase of the shirt go to Wilson High School, and all details on how to get a shirt can be provided by a Wilson contact. The phone number at Wilson is: (562) 433-0481.

I hope you have all recovered from what was an amazing party weekend. We may be older, but an entire week should be enough time to recoup... (-;

ABOUT THE MEMORY BOOK.

I've been told that the Memory Book should be delivered to classmates who purchased them in approximately 4 months. If you didn't purchase one, but want to, contact Creative Reunions at (310) 539-0111 and ask how to order one. 

I always look forward to hearing from you all -- please stay in touch and reach out to other classmates, as there has already been discussion on how (and when!) to arrange the next reunion!!

Tell me -- what do YOU think about having a set date each year (say, the second Sunday of every August) to arrange an informal get-together at a park, like Rec Park, to bring not only classmates together, but classmates' families as well? Joe Matthews suggested this as a cheaper, more casual way to get together -- no obligations -- and that way we can meet everyones' spouses and kids that didn't make it to this year's reunion. Send me your input and comments, and I can post them here for group discussion if you'd like.

WOW!!!

OK -- We had no clue the turnout for both McKenna's and the Hyatt Reunion would be so HIGH! It's amazing what word-of-mouth and proper use of all the available communication tools (email, blog, classmates.com, reunion.com, creativereunions.com, facebook, etc.) can do for last-minute deciders!  These days, there's no reason why we shouldn't all be able to stay in touch.

McKenna's was filled with classmates -- actually over-capacity for the room we reserved -- and the party lasted from 6:30 to midnight -- A great kick-off to a wonderful reunion weekend! Many people who weren't able to make it to Saturday's reunion at least got to see some good old, I mean, mature, friends! Wow how everyone has changed! 

The Reunion was a hit from the get-go, with laughter and conversation, clicking cameras, and lines everywhere for sign-in, photos, food, and the bar (of course!). The class photo from the balcony should turn out really cool -- I can't wait to see the memory book! The Rock Out drummers from Wilson were an absolute blast, and really got the crowd in the mood. The Bears were the icing on the cake. The iMovie slideshow received tons of cheers, laughter and praise (thank you!) and I was even told by a few classmates that they cried, it was so touching.

OK -- I'll add more info later. I just wanted to quickly jot this down while my kidlets are eating dinner. What a great weekend this turned out to be! YAY Bruins! 

In my next blog entry:

1. Info on how you can get a copy of the iMovie DVD.
2. Info on how to get a Wilson Hawaiian shirt.
3. Joe Matthews' idea for how we classmates can continue to stay in touch...
4. Info on where you can view the tons of photos I took at both McKenna's and the Hyatt.

Ciao for now,

Deana

ARE YOU READY FOR THE BIG WEEKEND?

Hi All!

It's finally here -- the event we've been working on for months to make sure you get your money's worth -- Reunion Weekend!

Tonight (6:30pm) at McKenna's is promising to be a great group of people! If you plan to go tonight, just enter through the restaurant's main entrance and tell the hostess you're there for the reunion party.

Re: Tomorrow's Official Reunion -- have you purchased your tickets? If not, give Creative Reunions a call at (310) 539-0111, or you can always purchase tickets at the door (Take note that it's CASH ONLY -$105- at the door). 

The event officially starts at 6:30 and there will be a class photo taken around 7-ish.

NOTE: If you're wondering what to wear (I've received this question quite a lot), just think "classy casual" and work up from there as much as you want. No need to wear a tux or gown unless you want to.

For those of you who are unable to make it to the reunion this time:

1. We'll miss you!
   
2. There will be a memory book and other memorabilia available for purchase even after the event.
   
3. I'll be providing information soon on this blog site about how you can get your copy of the reunion slideshow on DVD.
   

I'm off to get my toes painted now. See you soon!

Now Photos, Then Photos, and Phone Calls, Oh My...

Last night's second-to-last Reunion Committee meeting went very well! Details were solidified, attendance was reviewed, and phone lists were distributed so that the committee can start following up with those people who haven't yet purchased their tickets for the reunion. Thanks to Crystal, we enjoyed a wonderful summer evening on her back patio with a few good drinks, some chips n salsa, and a review of people and faces from 1988. 

I have to say, from ALL the "Now" photos I have received from classmates, high school has nothing on this thing we call Adulthood. The photos are so varied and beautiful and I'm very happy to see so many diverse and accomplished people from our class. It's a pleasure to reconnect!

Question: Does anyone know of any classmates that are/were in the military? I'd like to find and recognize them in the slideshow if I can.

Since we're getting down to the wire, the committee wanted me to post some fun details about what we've confirmed for the night of the reunion. 

• Dinner will be buffet style. Casual and cool. The theme is Endless Summer. You can be as dressy or as stylish as you'd like!
• Memorabilia Table: We've got a lot of Wilson items for the memorabilia table, but if you have something you'd like to share, you're welcome to bring it to the table for display on the night of the reunion.
• Class Photo: A full class photo will be organized at around 7:30 pm, so if you plan on coming to the reunion, try to arrive by then.
• Around 8pm, we've got drummers performing Rock Out, introduction of a slideshow of Now and Then photos, and maybe some awards for some of you who have submitted the questionnaire you should have already received in the mail.  If you haven't, email us.

Finally, if you still need to buy tickets, log onto creativereunions.com and you can purchase them online, and the tickets will be waiting for you at the door on the night of the event.  If all else fails, you can always buy tickets at the door on the night of the reunion. (FYI, after August 8 the ticket price goes up $10. 

...And one last heads-up: If you haven't yet signed up to attend the reunion, you may even be receiving a check-in phone call from a dedicated reunion committee member! 

Ciao for now.

-Deana

A Message from Crystal McNaughton Glenning

Fellow Bruins,

The time is coming to celebrate our 20 year Reunion. 

I know it is unbelievable that the time has gone so fast.  As I am sure you have all discovered, sometimes life doesn’t go the way we thought it would 20 years ago.  I am hoping it is true for everyone that there have been some great successes, wonderful adventures and lots of good times along the way.  I am guessing it is also true that life has thrown a few curves.  Either way, we all come from a great place, Wilson High School, which created a strong foundation to take on whatever life has had to offer.    

After 20 years, I am thinking this is worthy of a celebration, or actually two. You should have received your “official” invitation in the mail (along with a questionnaire for you to fill out and return) for our reunion.  If not, it is either coming today or you need to contact  www.creativereunions.com and give them your mailing info so they can send you one.  Also, check out our blog, set up by Deana (Gordon) Rodriguez, at www.wilsonclassof1988.blogspot.com.  

Here is the general low down on the happenings for the weekend…

Friday August 22^nd

Six – ish in the evening

McKennas on the Bay

(it is by the old Jolly Rogers)

Come say hello, meet, greet and be merry

McKennas has reserved a room for us.

We figure with a class of 1000 that we may need or want more time than one evening to catch up with everyone.

 

Saturday, August 23^rd  

Wilson '88 Reunion

The Hyatt Hotel      

6:30 ‘til Midnight

~ Cocktails & Dinner ~ 

[No, not a sit-down-all-stuffy-event]

The Drummers are coming to do "Rock Out" just to get us into even more of a celebration mood.

Maybe a bear or two will show up, who knows...?

Plus a slide show, dancing, photo ops, shirts for sale, and other memorabilia.

No matter what, we are planning on FUN. 

Come, enjoy, share a few laughs, a few stories,

talk to a few people you haven’t seen in a long time.

 

We hope you can set aside at least Saturday evening to join in the festivities.  We know life is busy.  There are kids' soccer games,  family events, distances to cover to get to the event, obstacles and hurdles to get past, or you are just thinking “Whatever. It’s been 20 years, who cares?  I talk to everyone I want to keep in touch with anyways.”  

You may be surprised.  It is what you DON'T know you don't KNOW that will make this so fun.  Make it happen -- it will be worth it!

We look forward to seeing you there.  Please pass this along to anyone and everyone you still keep in contact with today.  We don’t want anyone to miss out.

Thank you!

 Crystal McNaughton Glenning