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Posted 04 June 2006 - 10:44 PM
I don't even know where to start. Everytime I go to my hometown I run into countless people that I know. It's inevitable, I can't go anywhere without running into someone!!! A couple funnies- the girls & I went to breakfast w/ my Dad on Sat morning. As I was leaving, I recognize a girl that I'd gone to church with since we were kids!! She was like, I saw you on TV!!! She works in an office supply packing plant & she was saying how another girl that I knew had seen the infomercial & came in to work the next day telling everyone!!! So I guess it's been a big deal for everyone to try to see it!!! I thought that was just too funny.... she mentioned a few names of people that I haven't seen since HS & said they just couldn't believe it was me!!
(and of course, a few didn't know since they only knew me by my maiden name) It just seemed like the weekend was jam-packed w/ things to do, but lots of fun too! My cousin (that I used to babysit for) graduated from HS, so we had his open house to go to, then came back to get ready for the wedding. I tried on both dresses- the hoochie & the black, but decided that I was more comfy in the black dress. (also, wasn't happy w/ my tan lines!) BUT, I had Greg take my pic in it anyway- you can really see the definition in my arms/ shoulders!!
I feel like I was rushed to get ready- I didn't end up having time to straighten my hair like I wanted. I had bought Greg a new shirt & tie so he was looking pretty handsome himself. 
We headed to the wedding which started at 3. Mom & the girls were already planning what to do- a tea party w/ cookies of course!! They had a blast & I barely got a kiss good-bye! 
So we got to the church & saw some people I knew right away. You'll get bored hearing details so bear with me!! First of all, a friend of my Mom's, Jan (and I went to school w/ her 2 girls) was there & she had to come over to tell me how gorgeous I looked (I love her!
). Then my former dentist & his wife came in (I went to school w/ their kids). My Grandma is still a patient of his (can you believe she still has ALL of her real teeth at 92??) so I told him about her & he was sorry to hear it. So I caught up w/ them for a bit on the kids, etc. Instead of a guest book, they were snapping pictures of you as you went in. Then at the reception they had them all printed out in a book. You found your pic & then signed the guest book- it was a really neat idea!!We found our seats & enjoyed the beautiful string quartet- one of the musicians was a man that used to run a music shop & fix my flute when I was in HS! The ceremony was just beautiful & her cousin had the most incredible voice- she sang a solo & a duet with an Irish tenor (one of the groom's friends). Then we headed out to blow bubbles as they came out. And on a side note, my Dad lives about a block away from the church & it turns out that he was driving by right at that time! So we went over to say hi.
Then we headed over to the reception. It was at a very nice hotel in town. The reception started outside in the courtyard- they had a huge tent set up for our formal dinner. But first, it was just appetizers- shrimp, chicken, & beef on skewers- delicious! And of course... plenty of drinks. Greg & I don't drink so we stuck to the iced tea & sodas (diet for me of course!). We had time to just chat & hang out while they finished up pictures. I knew that I recognized this guy, Craig, & went over to say hi. He was 2 yrs ahead of me in school & he didn't recognize me until I told him who I was. His wife (who is pg & expecting their 2nd child in Aug) was just joining him, they have a 3yo who was running a fever so she missed the wedding. I talked to his parents also, who know my Mom (surprise, surprise, my Mom knows everyone!). And his sister was in my brother's class in HS. It turns out that they were at our table so we had a good time talking with them. And we talked to my friend Stephanie whom I have known since I was in the nursery at church!! Her folks were there & her hubby, Brian (who's in his 3rd year as a surgical resident). He sat with us also since she was at the head table. Also, my speech teacher from HS (she was an awesome teacher! and she's bf's w/ Vicki's mom) & her dh & her 3 dd's. And Vicki's Step-dad (also a teacher) didn't know me either until I introduced myself. He said, I kept saying that I should know who you were but just couldn't think of it!
Her family/ friends are all very dramatic- they're all in the local plays & theater. It's a very fun crowd! (no, I don't act, but I used to play in the orchestra pit for the plays!) I could go on & on, but it was lots of fun. The food was excellent- prime rib, oven roasted potatoes, veggies, warm goat cheese salad w/ sundried tomato vinaigrette, etc. I did have a small slice of cake too. (who can pass up wedding cake??) We were also sitting with Vicki's 2 cousins who happen to live not too far from us so we had a great time at our table chatting. It was lots of fun. The groom is from Ireland & his family was a HOOT!! They were sooo funny, the best man (his brother) gave the FUNNIEST toast that I have ever heard. And Vicki's Step sister, Megan (they're just 3 mos apart in age so I know her well also), is a comic (she's done 2nd City in Chicago) & of course was a riot too! I felt like we were at a comedy club. Then on to the ballroom for the band!! My former dentist (aformentioned) has a local band that plays for weddings & other activities around town so they were performing. I walk into the room & who do I see??? MY EX-BOYFRIEND & Jr. prom date!!!! He is in the band. Oh my goodness... yes it is a small world. It was really funny to see the look on his face!!! He looks *exactly* the same as high school- skinny & still looks 18!! He's a really nice guy though & he was even at our wedding (and I haven't seen him since!). He plays the saxophone & teaches lessons at the nearby college. We had a good time catching up- we had a lot of the same friends. He really didn't mention my weight loss or anything, but the look on his face when he first saw me was priceless. Greg was just great- he's so much fun to take to things anyway & he was a great date! (and he never gets jealous or weird about things like that anyway!) We danced a little bit, but Greg is NOT a dancer (I'm lucky he danced just because I wanted to!) & just kind of hung out talking. We ended up staying until about 11:30 & by that point I was dead tired!! (I had gotten up at 6:30 to go for a run so it had been a long day!) It was sooo fun though, I'm so glad that I went. I'm sure that I've forgotten so many details but it was a great time. I felt great, I thought I looked pretty good, and felt confident & that's what really counts!
I added some pics at my picture trail- June 06 folder to check out!
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p...945&uid=5044625
On Sunday we went to the early service at my Mom's church & of course saw more people that I knew. I think I actually saw more Moms of friends this weekend than my actual friends! The girls were very good through church & had a lot of people say so (which made me feel good!). Then we went up to see Grandma again. She was sitting up in a chair & looked pretty good. The nurses had washed her hair & she said she was feeling much better after that. Some of the swelling had gone down in her hands & the nurse said that her fluids were much better. She was happy to see us & we took the girls in one at a time to see her. They were all happy to see her & each had colored a special picture for her too. They had been very curious about how she would look, I had told them that she had special tubes to help her breathe & eat so they were a little prepared. The nurse said that she will be in ICU for another day or so, then she will be in regular care in the hospital for a week or so. Then they are looking into a skilled care facility where she can get the care she needs. There is no way that she will be going back home alone (amazing that she's 92 & been living on her own since my grandpa died 12 yrs ago). She is starting to realize that she is not going to be able to take care of herself. The prognosis is still not good- since they were not able to remove all of the cancer it will continue to spread. She is not strong enough for chemo so we will see what happens now... (they had removed as much as they could from her ovary/ bladder/ colon) She is not in pain, she is on a morphine drip so I am glad for that. Oh, and my Grandma had to show me off to the nurse that came in- she said, this is my grand daughter that I was telling you about that's on the the Pilates infomercial. (I think Grandma's seen it more times than about anyone else, but she still says she thinks I looked beautiful in my wedding dress
) The nurse said that she had the WP DVD's, she was going to have to start doing them again! So then on to lunch at a small little restaurant out of town a bit that I haven't eaten at in ages. They have the BEST onion rings & tenderloins. Yes, I indulged & yes, I paid for it!! (my tummy isn't used to that much grease!!) It was delicious though!
We came back to my Mom's & I really wasn't feeling well. I thought it was from the food, but I was getting a bad headache. Greg ended up bringing Hannah & Kiersten home w/ him (we had driven separately since he didn't come til Sat) & Allison, Mom, & I took a nap!! I woke up feeling a little better but was NOT looking forward to the drive (I was driving Greg's car also which has NO A/C). I ended up finally taking an Imitrex because it was really turning into a bad migraine & was feeling much better about half an hour into the drive home. Of course, I get home & realize that AF had come to visit- I should have figured!!!
Ok, long report. It was a wonderful weekend- some fun, some sad, but still great. I'm glad to be home & ready for bed now!!
Hope I didn't bore you too much!
Hugs,
Jess
WOW sounds like an action packed weekend for you but also sounded like a lot of fun. Fun going back in time 
When I went to the Ocean two weeks ago I said I would, but I didn't. Just got to hectic but I did alot of walking!!
you look fabulous and greg looks great too....
