pepper23 said: Just go to the courthouse and elope then just throw a reception for those who can make it. That will REALLY P*** them off. Or at very least shock them.

Sounds good to me! David and I just went to the JP and didn't bother with a reception, but most want some kind of celebration for family and friends! I tried to reach.my daughter, but no call back.

Toedtoes said: Wow! Next time I hear someone complain about their property taxes out here, I'll point out it could be worse. Ours is less than 1/2 of yours with a slightly higher home value:

New Jersey:
Median property tax - $6,579
Median home value - $348,300

California:
Median property tax - $2,839
Median home value - $384,200

And for more comparison, Texas:
Median property tax - $2,275
Median home value - $125,800

https://www.tax-rates.org/taxt...

Prop 13 made me mad at the time - the school budget cut meant we no longer got to do field trips (our class was going to get to ride on the new BART system the year it took effect but that got cancelled), but it has really helped folks stay in their homes.

That Texas value of house must have been based on ten years ago or more.

That's all we're doing is the courthouse. We aren't really traditional types and didn't want anything major. Courthouse wedding and a nice dinner after for all of us.

Supposed to be 5 guests coming at this point. So 7 of us total. Just have to decide where we're doing dinner. We were thinking we'd splurge on something a little fancier for the event. Just haven't decided where yet. Haven't even decided which cuisine we want yet. We both like Italian, Japanese and Greek food. So probably one of those three.

The real estate market has gotten out of control. There is little inventory and like I said the bidding wars are crazy. Even here in NJ in my area houses in less desireable neighborhoods are being assessed at well over $385,000. I brought in an independent appraiser and I'm waiting for his report. There are a few homes at my price point but only a few. I'm being told that the biggest issue is the square footage. I can't make my house smaller-it is what it is. Is it move-in-ready? Yes. Are there things that I feel need to be done? Yes. It is not ADA compliant. There is not family room/den, Limited closet space downstairs. The basement will be just a basement. It has a tendency toward dampness at times. It will need a roof in the near future. There are several sets of steps to climb. Etc. Do I think I could ask $444,800 and get it? Probably. But I have no desire to sell. I've done what I could to complain and try and get some answers but I know I'm gonna get stuck with a ridiculously inflated tax bill until I can reapply for the tax freeze. Then my taxes will be $7444.

TK sounds perfect! Do things your way-you'll be happier.

After that, we're going to spend the week together. Guess there's a big desert garden out there K wants to show me. Then whatever else we find to do. We booked a rental car so we'll have freedom to explore.

LindaTX8 said: That Texas value of house must have been based on ten years ago or more.

I believe so, but the comparison of home value to tax rate between states is still valid.

One of my soon-to-be-in-laws is driving me frickin NUTS.

There's no reason to be so unnecessarily cranky. Feels like we're poking and practically digging to start crap. And for what?!

Good god!

Grumpy cause wedding planning is way more stressful than I expected. We ain't even doing anything big and it's still stressing me out.

At some point, you have to acknowledge that you can't control others' behaviors (especially those who like drama) and can only control how you approach and react. I would simply say "this is how our wedding is going to happen and it is not open to suggestions." And then just completely ignore any texts/conversations that start - change the subject and redirect.

When are you planning on getting married, TK?

That time wasn't anyone else causing stress. Just the general preparations being stressful.

Looking at January. So it's coming up fast.

Grumpy cause I poured hot soup all over myself on accident. It didn't FEEL that hot, but my stomach's all red now.

So... one of our wedding guests decided they're just going to start inviting their own guests to attend. Which is beyond rude. So now we're in an awkward position.

Who even does that!

TK it's simple, you just tell them no

WHY would someone be so inconsiderate as to do that?

I'm honestly ticked. I told K how I feel about it. I think we should be telling our guest they can tell THEIR guests "no" and "sorry, I shouldn't have been doing that".

I'm worried about this guest even coming... It's K's family member though. But they have a habit of starting drama everywhere they go. If anyone ruins the actual day, it'll be that one. I'm just hoping they can be on good behavior for one day. I've already expressed my concern. He's told them they need to behave that day. We'll see if they listen.

This just shouldn't even be a problem... It's annoying.

If my family acted like that I would go to Vegas and elope.

We probably should have...

I know that person's going to complain no matter where we go for dinner after too. I'm from the position of "tough crap, they can deal with it or leave". I'm not going to cater to them.

Don't give in to this rude person- not even an inch. Stand your ground and if you have to a bit mean so be it. This person seems to like making trouble and being in the drama spot light. Do not let them ruin YOUR DAY.