Friday, October 26, 2012

Equal rights. For all.

Please watch this video. It brought tears to my eyes. There are a thousand words I could write on this topic, but this helps crystallize all of them.

The Prodigal Daughter...

...returns. After an unintentional hiatus, I'm back.

Although I've continued to write posts in my head almost daily, I've had too much work to actually sign in and type those posts out.

(First World Problem: Darn all that work, almost more work than I can handle, for which I am generously compensated, which pays for my clean water, mounds of food, and warm, beautiful house. GAH.)

But with the changing of the seasons, I always find myself re-evaluating, re-envisioning, trying to check items off my mental to-do list and prepare for Whatever Comes Next.

I've missed posting. I've missed you. I hope you feel the same, because I think we should have a kick-ass party.

The wedding where I almost flashed everyone...

In early September, my dear friend Emmy Jo got hitched.

She was perfectly organized when I arrived to help her set up the reception site. She had even labeled her totes with warnings like "heavy." She had made many of the decorations herself, being the extremely talented crafter that she is. It was all lovely, the setup went smoothly, and aside from some torrential rain, the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner were wonderful.



 The next morning we met bright and early to get our hair did and our faces painted.

 And we dressed and took pictures and then got her married off.

After more pictures in the soft afternoon sunlight, we arrived at the reception site. We ate a delicious meal, the happy new couple cut their cake and tossed bouquets and located garters. I gave my matron of honor speech and cried at the end, because I love her and am a huge sap.

I believe it was around this time that the trouble started. I was up crossing the large room filled with the bride and groom's friends and loved ones when, suddenly, I felt a strange draft. The airflow on my derriere had inexplicably increased, and I reached down and realized that the intentional slit in the back of my dress had unintentionally gotten more...slitty. It was about to reveal my own personal slit (what? too graphic? you've got one, too, you know!). I rushed over to my husband and friends, blessedly located in a dark corner, and planted my rapidly exposing bottom on a chair.

Luckily, my matron of honor duties were complete, and though it was earlier than I wanted, we decided to shimmy out the door as quickly and as covered as possible (thank goodness for cold-blooded friends with sweaters). After passing off Bridal Bathroom Duties to a fellow bridesmaid, I broke the news to Emmy Jo and gave her a big hug. Thankfully, she wasn't upset, instead laughing at my predicament. Hard. I didn't mind -- I was glad she could find humor in the situation, especially since I felt so bad to sneak out early, albeit before I shared the assorted junk in my trunk with the people she loves most. 

I consider this further proof of what a good friend she is, and I am so happy that her wedding was beautiful and filled with laughter (of all kinds).
Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. You are loved.

Emmy Jo's Bridal Shower

In July, I had the opportunity to serve as matron of honor in my dear friend Emmy Jo's wedding. With the help of her bridesmaids -- her sister and sister-in-law -- as well as her mother and a fantastic friend who showed up early to help set up the day of, we threw her a lovely little bridal shower.

Emmy Jo and I have been friends since her family moved to the area early in our high school career (way over ten years now, how scary is that?). She and I really solidified our friendship, however, when we became roommates during a summer study abroad trip to France. We made it through that summer unscathed and closer than ever. So of course I had to throw her a French-themed shower (she helped throw one for me five years ago when I tied the knot)!

I designed the invitations...

And we decorated the room with all things French...



And we all pitched in one some delicious food (I made madeleines and macarons, which was quite the experience)...



 And she mingled and opened gifts and (I hope!) had a great time...

She's worth it.