The Weddings of 2011

The summer of 2011, it seems, was the summer of weddings. I went to one in Maine (which I’ve previously posted about here), then July brought a wedding in Illinois, August a wedding in Toledo, and September a wedding in Oxford, OH. And that’s not even counting the wedding in Connecticut or Seattle that I unfortunately had to decline due to scheduling conflicts. Apparently now then was the time to get married, who knew.

The wedding in IL was for one of my best friends. I’ve known this kid since I was born and I could not love him more than as the brother he practically already is. Brother from another mother, sister from a different mister. I was honored to be a bridesmaid for his lovely, now, wife. And, even though pink is not my favorite color in the world, I had an amazing time dancing and smiling and celebrating my “baby bro” and new “sister-in-law.”

Wedding 2 of this post was in Toledo. A Yankee Ohio gal married my Alabamian coworker and it was a blast. For this one I was free to watch from the congregation as he glowed at the sight of her walking down the aisle. Chris is a bit of a goofball so to see that moment of pure, all-encompassing joy for him was priceless. Not to mention they really know how to throw a party, dancing the night away till the wee hours of the morning. I sadly sustained a dance floor ankle injury when one of the very tall, very large groomsman fell on top of me, but even then (after a lot of ice and pain meds) I was able to watch the rest of those boogying down on the floor with pleasure.

The final wedding of the season was easily the most perfectly suited wedding for my friend Joy that there ever possibly could be. Everything from the people she surrounded herself with to the church to the programs to the calico bows tied around the pews were so quintessentially Joy that it made my heart burst with happiness for her. It was all so simple and pure and true. It’s the kind of day that anyone would be absolutely blessed to experience as their own.
A lot of people say that they hate going to weddings. And I can understand how they can be stressful, the amount of work and time just to be a guest let alone a participant is exhausting but I always have such a great time when I’m there that I can never understand the “hate.” They are celebrations. They are unabashed fun. They are, even in the smallest way, surrounded by signs of the happiness that is to come. I know they say most marriages end in divorce and that for me to be so optimistic for myself and my friends is naïve, but I can’t help but disagree. Everything happens for a reason and their, my, our steps down the aisle are leading us to the next chapter of who we are meant to be.

I prefer to stay that optimistic, as there is nothing naïve about the power of hope.

The Redhawks' Biggest Fan

Not in stature of course, but this little guy was a diehard. The hockey culture at the alma mater starts from a young age, clearly.

Jumping, cheering, and chanting along with the rest of us, he was my favorite fan of the game.

Love and Honor.

Tween Fads for One and All

As a 20-something, I see no purpose for the newest fad of Silly Bandz. On my 6 year old cousin, sure, but people my age? Absolutely not. Or at least this is what I thought before a friend of mine impulse bought a Disney Princess set at the local dollar store. Now I know there is a purpose for that ridiculous tangle of rubber; to distinguish your martini from among the masses. Yes ladies and gentlemen, like window clings, these stretchy strings attach to perspiring glasses of the beverage of your choice. (Wine glass charms are a thing of the past.) So thank you creators of Silly Bandz, you kept my drink clearly labeled, safe from swiping, and the center of jovial conversation.

Cheers!

Love and Honor

It seems appropriate on this, the first day of classes for those who were lucky enough to not graduate this past May, to pay homage to my alma mater. For all its twists and turns, I wouldn't change it for the world. After all, there is no more beautiful place in my mind or in my heart.

To think in such a place, I lived such a life.

Love and Honor.

Because who doesn't like a glowing cup of:

One of the things I miss about Europe and the Czech Republic is the wonderful concept of the Beer Garden. For those of you who don't know, they are wonderful places you can take your friends, sit outside in the glorious spring/summer weather and enjoy a drink with no fear of the open container laws here in the States.I'm by no means advocating public intoxication, but a drink outside with friends is just about the most perfect way to spend an afternoon. But I suppose outdoor patios like the one pictured here will have to do.