Chapter 17 Wedding planning; Kensi's career chaos!

Almost a full year seems like a lot of time to plan a wedding. But if you succumb to that way of thinking, things will creep up on you, some people will get sloppy and chaos can result.

Fortunately, Kensi and Marty had three very level-headed ladies in their corner; Julia, Cheryl and Karen got to work right away. They each took responsibility for one or more things that needed to be done. They kept in close touch with each other, meeting in person when feasible. Kensi and Marty would be forever grateful for these ladies.

VENUE: In order to assure that they nailed down the venue of choice they had to move fast.

First – LA or Stanford. Neither bride nor groom had lived in the Stanford area long enough to call it 'home'. LA fit the bill here.

So, an indoor venue vs the beach. After considerable discussion Kensi and Marty settled on the stretch of beach where they first met. Though that 1st meeting had its awkward moments, there was a subtle attraction. Julia took the lead (she lived in LA) in securing permission to have the wedding on that beach and to find an appropriate reception venue nearby.

Almost every area had a leader in charge and helpers, and Kensi & Marty had veto power:

Cake & reception food – Karen,

Guest list & invitations – Cheryl,

Flowers – Julia,

Decorations – Karen,

Officiant – Cheryl,

Music – Marty & Kensi,

Bride's dress – Kensi & the 3 ladies,

Bridesmaids' dresses – same as #7,

Wedding colors – Kensi and Marty.

And so, it goes. The goal was to have virtually all decisions made by January 31, and operationalized by March 31. Both goals were met!

CAREER UPHEAVEL – CHAOS

It was most fortunate that Kensi and Marty had those three ladies on their team. Otherwise, their lives might have imploded!

When they arrived at Stanford to start their next year, Kensi had a notice in the mailbox. She had a certified, signature required, letter awaiting her at the post office. She had no idea what to expect. Was it news about Nell? She couldn't imagine anything else. She picked up the letter and took it home, sat on the couch, opened it and read.

"WHAT THE HELL!" She burst into tears:

MS. KENSI MARIE BLYE, WE REGRET TO INFORM YOU THAT THE PSYCHOANALYSIS DEGREE PROGRAM AT STANFORD UNIVERSITY HAS BEEN SHUT DOWN. DUE TO A LACK OF COORABORATION WITH CURRENT BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE RESEARCH, THE ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS COMMITTEE CANNOT JUSTIFY CONTINUING THIS AREA OF STUDY.

YOU ARE ADVISED TO CONTACT YOUR ACADEMIC ADVISOR ASAP TO REVIEW YOUR OPTIONS.

KENNETH J THOMPSON – PRESIDENT

'SHIT'

Kensi pulls out her phone and starts to TXT Marty.

K: I need

She thinks twice and decides to wait until he gets home to share the devastating news. She closes down the TXT app, but she is unaware that she actually sent the TXT.

Classroom 108: Marty is just 20 minutes from finishing one of his classes. He glances at the screen of his phone. Kensi knows his schedule, she wouldn't TXT him while he is in class unless it was really urgent. He opens the message and reads the incomplete TXT. He freezes, looks up and sees his colleague John Swanson in the back row – the teachers occasionally sit in on other classes. He motions to John to come to the front, which he does.

Marty whispers, "I have a family emergency, can you finish for me? The lesson plan is quite complete, just follow it. Thanks man, I owe you one!"

"Will do," John says.

Marty runs to his car and dashes home, bursting into the living room, out of breath. "Kensi, what's wrong?" He pulls her into a tight hug.

"Marty, what are you doing home from class?"

"You texted me! You said, 'I need', but it was cut short. Are you OK?"

"I . . . I just got some bad news, sit down please."

He sits and she gives him the letter with shaky hands. The letter is moist from tears; he unfolds it and reads. "Damn, did you just get this?"

"Yeah, there was a notice in our mailbox of a certified letter to pick up. I went and got it and brought it home to read. That's all I know right now."

Knock – knock – knock.

"I'll get it," says Marty.

At the door are Roger and Cheryl, who enter quickly. Cheryl dashes to the couch and slips her arms around Kensi's shoulders. "Sweetie, we just heard. I'm so sorry, what can I do for you?"

"I don't know, I'm numb still. I just read the letter a bit ago. I don't know what to do, talk to my advisor I guess."

Roger motions with his head, asking Marty to go outside.

"Kens, sweetheart, I'll be right back. Cheryl, can you stay with her, please?"

"Yes."

Outside Roger speaks with Marty. "Whatever we can do, please don't hesitate to ask."

"Thanks. If I may, a word of caution; Kensi is a very independent woman and chafes at unsolicited help. Please be respectful of that. Probably the number one thing is to see that the wedding planning stays on track with a minimum of decision making and leg work for her. Besides that, I will be our point person to request your assistance when needed. We truly value your friendship Roger, especially at times like this. I will keep in touch."

"Marty, don't hesitate to call us."

"I won't."

The men reenter the apartment. Roger asks Kensi, "Who is your academic advisor?"

"A Ms. Phillips, I believe."

"Elizabeth Phillips?"

"Yes, that's her. Do you know her?"

"Yes, she is one of the best. Would you like me to assist with setting up a meeting with her?"

"I would appreciate that. Can we try for next week? I would like a few days to talk this over with Marty."

"Certainly, I'm sure she will understand."

"Roger, I know it's early, but we have Kensi's deal to consider also. I don't want to overload the thought processes, but we need to keep that in mind." Marty adds.

"Yes, we do. I will update James later today."

"And Cheryl, can you see to it that the wedding planning doesn't slow down or stop?"

"I certainly will. I'll make sure the team remains focused. I don't think we want to fall back to the courthouse venue idea."

Kensi chuckles and gives a brief smile. "Thanks for your support, I love you guys," Kensi whispers.

With hugs all around, they slip out.

"Marty."

"Yes, babe."

"What am I going to do?"

"You mean, what are WE going to do? You aren't alone anymore, right?"

"Yeah, sometimes I need to pinch myself as a reminder."

"I know what to do right now – let's take a walk. It's a lovely day."

"But you have to teach!"

"Not until 1:30. Come on, Kens."

This week it just so happens that one of the three food trucks parked at the center of campus was "Jorge's Tacos." They got their lunch and sat on the blanket Marty had brought along. It was too busy for some kissing, but they could cuddle after lunch.

"Kens, are you free this afternoon?"

"Yes, but my mind is going 100 MPH!"

"I can tell. Why don't you sit down with pad and pen and write down every career choice you could see yourself switching to? Things you like, things you are good at, things you wish you had done, everything. Leave nothing out. Also – I'm sure there are guidance counselors available; they can give you aptitude tests to see what careers you should consider. You never know what might pop up. If you do some of that homework, we can talk it over this evening."

'Sounds like busy-work, but that's what I need right now. Thank-you babe for helping me get started on the process. 1-4-3!"

"We better jog home so I can make my next class."

The phone rings in LA. "Kensi darling, great to hear from you. What's up?" Julia asks.

"Is dad around, I have some news?"

"Hi baby girl, what's up?" Donald inquires.

"Well, I got some bad news today. Stanford has closed down the psychoanalysis degree program."

"Oh my, why?"

"Lack of solid support from Behavioral Science. The Academic Credentials Committee shut it down."

"Could you transfer to another school?"

"I assume that the other schools will follow suit, but we will check that out. But Marty has just started his teaching career here. We need to consider that. We just got engaged, we are living together; I don't want to put any of that at risk!"

"I know sweetie," Julia commiserated.

"So, what's next?" Donald asked.

"I'm having a meeting with my academic advisor, maybe taking some tests to better define the careers I should be considering, and Marty and I will be talking through all my options."

"Well, we love you honey. Please let us know if there is anything we can help you with."

"Mom, please do what you can to keep the wedding planning moving forward. We talked to Cheryl about this also. As you might imagine, I will be a little distracted for a while."

"I surely will, love you baby!"

"Love you too, mom and dad!"

As Marty cooks supper, Kensi continues her homework while sitting on the couch. "It really smells good, babe. What are you cooking?"

"Brain food, lasagna! Will you be ready for discussion #1 after we eat?"

"Yup, prepare to be amazed!"

"Amazed?"

"All the stuff I am good at! You didn't know that you proposed to Wonder Woman, did you?"

"I had my suspicions. Now you can confirm them."

"Consider it done, my Surfer Man!"

"Surfer Man?"

"I have to keep up with you in the nickname game."

"Damn, is she competitive," Marty whispers.

"What was that my hunk?"

"Nothing dear, nothing at all."

"Just keep cooking and I'll stick around!"

'I think I am losing this round; I'll stop talking now!' Marty thinks.

AFTER A DELICIOUS DINNER

"OK, so here is what I have come up with, Chef Deeks." Marty groans.

#1. Joining the Navy. This would be a regression for me, and there are a whole host of reasons why I won't even give it serious consideration. BUT I felt it should be on the list.

#2. Self-defense. You remember Nell and me at our 1st Halloween party here at Stanford. This could be either a college course or a self-employed business. I would need some enhancement to my own skill set as well as instruction in teaching methods.

#3. Shooting school. My dad taught me how to shoot, including his sniper rifle. Again, I would need to get back in the game here. I am out of practice, but this is something I would enjoy becoming more proficient at. This could also probably be college or self-employed.

#4. NCIS. This would be a Federal Agent. I was thinking of Hetty – which brought this to mind. However, this has dangers most other options do not. Except #1, in certain areas of specialization.

#5. PARALEGAL. Working with Marty or other lawyers. I don't know if Marty's work currently could use a paralegal, but I am very interested in exploring the possibilities here! I know that couples working together can be difficult, but I am confident that we can do it.

#6. LAWYER. Law school has never been on my radar. But now? Why not? This would open up a whole new realm of possibilities for the law firm of DEEKS&DEEKS! Just think about it, WOW!

#7. Surfer. Professional, barnstorming competitions etc. I don't suppose it is very easy to earn a living with this one. I would need a new bikini once in a while. Unless . . . 😉

"OH. MY. GOD." Marty spouts. "Let's quit while we are ahead! We are ahead, aren't we? I'll say this Kens (to be honest); I cannot keep separate my ideas re family life, safety, etc. from this discussion re your career. You are soon to be my wife, and the mother of our children if we are fortunate. This leads me to vote NO on #1 & #4. While #7 is intriguing, the obvious challenge of earning money and the limited geographical areas where surfing of this caliber is even possible would cause me to vote NO here also. Your reaction to my thoughts?"

"Very well thought out and presented counselor! I can't argue against your rationale. So, from my list that leaves us with a) self-defense, b) shooting school, c) lawyer and d) paralegal. It would seem to me that a & b are rather risky as far as earning a decent living. However, if we both agree that with your earning potential my need to produce income is not as critical, then those options could remain on my list. If my ability to bring in a decent income is felt to be needed as a safety net for the family, then c & d above are the only choices I have identified so far. We obviously need to meet with my academic advisor as well as Roger & James. I would like those meetings ASAP. Do you agree?"

Marty agrees.