Well here we go...time to catch up and be up-to-date.

Last time I left off saying I would discuss my best friend's wedding that happened (almost) 2 weeks ago. I can't believe it's been 2 weeks already...time is flying!!! I mean, it's almost June...didn't we just celebrate the New Year like 4 weeks ago or something???

Anyway, back to the important things. So the wedding of the beautiful Mr. and Mrs. Hutchinson was held on May 17th, 2008. It was down in South Jersey in a 2-in-1 kind of place. It was held at Pitman Country Club. The ceremony was outside and the reception was in a tent connected to the country club. I had, what felt like, one of the longest weekends of my life. The rehearsal dinner and such was held on that Thursday. So, with time to plan things out, I was to go home Thursday morning/afternoonish. My job that I work on Friday and Saturdays knew that I wouldn't be working there that whole weekend. At the time, it didn't make sense for me to go down Thursday, come back and work Friday night only to get up at the butt-crack of dawn Saturday for the wedding...too much and not worth it. But then it just so happened that my sister's college graduation from TCNJ (The College of New Jersey for all you non-Jersey folks) was that Friday.

The week of the wedding felt a little stressful to me...and it wasn't even my wedding!!! I hadn't gotten the bride and groom a gift yet and was slowly freaking out. I knew exactly what I was getting them so that wasn't the problem. Since funds were a little tight, I decided to get "His" and "Her" beer mugs engraved (you know how they have "His" and "Her" robes and towels...along those lines) with Mr. Hutch and Mrs. Hutch and get them their favorite beers. Now I know it's not $500 or a piece of their gorgeous china, but I still thought it was a pretty cool gift...I'd be thrilled to get something like that (I just hoped they enjoyed it). So I decided that Thursday, after my sister picked me up at the train station, we'd go to the mall really quick so I could put my order in. Awesome...1 thing off the list. I could pick them up after 3pm tomorrow after my sister's graduation. Perfect. So I get to my parents, change and Brittany and I are off to the rehearsal. Now, you have to understand my friendship with Britt. We've been best friends since we were 5, practically 20 years of friendship, so really, we don't have to speak at all to each other and still have a good time. We might have had a few moments like that but the rest of time we were sining out lungs out, rocking out, in the car...typical really. It's hilarious when we're together. I never laugh so hard with anyone like that. Seriously, car rides with us are awesome...no other way to describe it. The rehearsal goes on without any trouble and was lovely. We all left the dinner later on that night excited for the Big Day on Saturday.

Ahh, and then Friday, May 16th happened. If you don't recall, Friday was a rainstorm like no other. I haven't seen rain like that in a long time. It POURED. Now keep in mind, this is my sister's college graduation day. I was expecting to sit through 4 long and brutal hours of graduation ceremonies (why...I have no idea. I'd get it after the first hour...she's done...she's a nurse...she's making more money then me already...GREAT!!!) but that didn't happen due to weather. So my family decides, since I need to pick up the wedding gift that we'd go to the mall before the 2nd graduation ceremony at 1pm. Now keep in mind I put down that I'd be picking up the mugs after 3pm. Now what??? Some slight panic begins to creep up. But after a deep breath, I call the store, ask if I can pick up my purchases earlier then expect and............no problem. Whew...thank goodness. So I get everything I need...the gift, wrapping paper, a card, tissue paper...done. Then it's off to my sister's graduation ceremony. Wasn't as bad as I expected...about 45 minutes start to finish. Afterwards, we all go back to my parent's house (keep in mind, it's me, my sister, parents, niece, and my other sister and her husband) and watch an all time classic...."Robin Hood: Men In Tights". For those of you who don't know...one of my most favorite movies EVER!!! Then it's off to dinner followed by desert at my sister Gayle's house (my other niece Elena couldn't make it and was bummed about it so my sister suggested we come over after dinner...cool). Some of you may be wondering, where's Jon??? No worries, he met up with me at Gayle's house later on. We get back to my parents, settle in and get ready for a big day.

Saturday morning schedule:

9am-Wake Up
9:30am- Shower
10:15am- Leave for hair appointment
10:30am- Hair appointment
12pm-Leave for wedding (oh wait...that didn't happen)

As I was sitting under a dryer with my hair rolled up like a 90-year-old woman, I kept glancing at my watch watching the minutes pass by and my heart begin to flutter in slight worry since I wanted to leave around 12 to get to Mike's parent's house since pictures were at 1:30 and it took about an hour to get down there. I had called Jon (and Brittany since she was carpooling with us) and just kept the posted on things. Jon had taken the liberty of packing up my suitcase (isn't he the best???) so that was all ready to go. As soon as the rollers were out of my hair, the hair was combed through, and the bill paid and Robin tipped, I bolted out the door, sped home, literally ran thru the door and up the stairs and packed up my last minute things. Jon had also wrapped the gift up (thank goodness...otherwise I would have...I don't know what to be honest) so that was all set to go, too. We pack up the car and I let Jon know he's got to book it...and does he. He was weaving in and out of cars like a pro and we made it down there in 45 minutes. All the while, I did most of my makeup in the car...which I've gotten very good at doing.

We had plenty of time to get ready and next thing you knew, Kim has on her wedding dress and let me tell you something...she looked absolutely amazing. I've never seen her look more beautiful in our many years of friendship then I did that day. Stunning doesn't even begin to describe her. The other 2 bridesmaids arrive, we're all dressed and next think you know ***SNAP, FLASH*** the pictures begin. The posing and the smiles and the photographers...it kind of felt surreal. The guys were already at the country club so it was only a matter of time until we got there and the ceremony began.

We waited in the restaurant part of the club until we were given our cue. We're walking down and I just began to think of when my friends and I would sit around Kim's kitchen table in the Reading's old house and try to figure out who would be the first one to get married (I landed about 2nd or 3rd on the list) and here it is...Kim. It was a lovely ceremony...quick and to the point and next thing you knew, they were saying their vows and being introduced as Mr. and Mrs.

The bridal party pictures were a fun time. I got to drive a golf cart for the first time in my life and poor Mrs. Reading almost had a heart attack at one point. I was following the boys and they had taken a wrong turn and were turning around....which I was doing as well...but stupid me begins to drive on the green (as in golf course green) and almost drive the cart over the edge. I stopped and reversed the cart and went back up the right way but poor Mrs. Reading....I don't think she'll ever come in a vehicle with me.

The reception was a great time. After dinner (and without Mike's knowing) I sang a song that Kim had asked me to do awhile back. I actually felt a little nervous which is something that doesn't usually happen...but it did. I felt really honored to do that for them and was a very special moment. All in all- a great night. Jon and I decided to come back to Brooklyn after the wedding so needless to say, we were exhausted when we got home. I had changed prior to leaving and all I did after walking in the door and putting my luggage somewhere was put my hair up and go to sleep. The weekend kicked my butt...but what a good kicking it was.

After the wedding, there really isn't much else to report. I've just been working and keeping busy. On a good note...I may have another job at a bar (literally) down the street from me...maybe 50 yards away...HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!?!?!? Keep your fingers crossed it works out.

Until then.......................