My girls.

Something dawned on me this weekend. I have some pretty amazing friends. I am sure everyone says that. But seriously. Mine are great. Maybe even the greatest ever. I got several text messages from friends over this Thanksgiving weekend saying they were thankful for me. I am sure they were mass texts but still, how cool is that to be included and appreciated? I was definitely feeling the love. I appreciate each and every one of you as well. You all rock.

When Jesse and I got engaged we decided that we'd each have one attendant. It wasn't for a lack of friends, but rather an abundance of them. Keeping it at one attendant each would make it so we wouldn't have to choose between all of the amazing people in our lives. My sister would be my maid of honor and his brother would be his best man. Easy peasy, right? Right? Wrong. Much to Jesse's dismay, shortly after getting engaged I decided that we needed more than one attendant each. Well rather, I decided I needed more than one attendant. I wanted ALL my girls up there with me. Jesse hasn't completely jumped on board with things yet. That's fine. I know he will come around...eventually. So since getting engaged I have added five more girls to my roster...and I figured since Jesse is taking his sweet ol' time picking his boys that I'd take this time to introduce my six stellar ladies.

Maid of Honor

     

This is my baby sister. My only sister. We're 23 months apart. I was born on June 30th, 1983 and she came into my world (emphasis on MY!) on May turdy-first, 1985. I guess I was pretty obsessed with her when she was first born. My mom thought I'd have some jealousy issues so she planned ahead and made sure I got my very own baby when I visited my sister in the hospital for the first time. It was a Cabbage Patch Doll. Word has it I took one glance at that doll, threw it on the floor, and proceeded to go straight for the REAL DEAL in the room. It was true love. Bud knows me better than anyone else in this world. I love her to no end, and despite our little spats and obvious differences, there is nothing I wouldn't do for this woman. She makes me cry. She makes me laugh. She's my best friend forever and ever. And there is no one else I would rather rock out to classic rock tunes with.

Bridesmaids

This is Beth. I can't remember the exact day that we became friends but I think it started right around the time I found out she had a pool in her backyard. She lives in Texas now with her husband and two adorable children, but prior to her leaving Minnesota we shared many memories together. Just to name a few: We were the founding, albeit, only members of the Victorian Castle Club (VCC). We had church camp boyfriends that we thought we were going to marry. And we may or may not have driven in blizzard-like conditions to Austin, MN when we were 16 to visit two boys that we had recently met at the Brownsdale roller rink. And I may or may not have experienced my first kiss that night as well. Besides that last little bout of rebellion, we were quintessential good girls. Really, we were. And Beth still is. ;) She is a beautiful woman on the inside and out, and despite the miles that separate us, we have been able to maintain a very special relationship. When I see her now I feel like we resort back to the summer of our 13th year when we relentlessly listened to 60's records in the Schultz's living room. I love her so much and am so happy that her and her lovely family are making it up here to Minnesota to be part of our wedding.

Ashley. Where do I begin with Ashley? As the picture proves, we have found ourselves in some pretty interesting situations together. I like to say that we've known each other since birth. I am two months older than her and we went to the same daycare starting when we were just tiny babies. She is convinced that I was always trying to get her in trouble with our daycare mom, Judy. Me? Never. Interestingly enough, even though we went to school together from kindergarten through our senior year, we really didn't get close until right before Ashley's 21st birthday. It was a wild year to say the least. How many 21st birthday parties did you have that year, Ash? Ha! I was even present the night she met her now husband, Jonah. One might even say it was my big mouth that brought those two together. But out of all the "mems" Ashley and I have shared, the most special one thus far was this past month when Ashley and Jonah's son, Kaleb was born and they asked me to be his godmother. I love you, Ash. Thank you for being one of my bridesmaids.

So this picture is old. It was taken 27 years ago! I am the little one on the far right. Not my greatest look. The one holding me is my cousin, Tonya. Before I came along it was just her and those four boys behind her. She always teases me that she had it made in the shade as the only granddaughter.....until I came along. OOPS! Sorry for ruining the fun, Tonya. Obviously, Tonya is the bridesmaid I have known the longest, and even if she didn't like me very much at the beginning, I think we get along pretty well now. We talk on the phone almost every day. She encourages me, inspires me, and is constantly making me laugh. She was also there the night that Jesse proposed to me. I am so glad she could be a part of such a special part of my and Jesse's relationship, and I feel incredibly honored that she is willing to put on a dress and be in our wedding.

Cathy is one of my most favorite people ever. I believe Jesse hit the nail on the head when he referred to her as the Ed McMahon to my Johnny Carson. We definitely have a good time when we're together. We have known each other for over four years but only recently got really close. We had a fun summer together and there were many times that I am sure Jesse was ready to take a giant leap off a cliff if Cathy and I started off on another one of our silly tangents. I love Cathy for her ability to be brutally honest with me. She says it how it is, and even if it's something I don't want to hear, I appreciate and respect it so much more coming from her. She's also a wonderful mother to her daughter, Jaden, and just an all around decent person. I am truly blessed to have her in my life.

Heather is the bridesmaid I have known the least amount of time. but that definitely doesn't mean she is any less special than the rest. She actually came into my life through Jesse. Jesse and Heather's husband, Aaron are best buds and Jesse was the best man in Heather and Aaron's wedding the fall before Jesse and I began dating. Do you know how sometimes when you meet someone you just know that you are meant to be friends with them? And not just casual acquaintances, but really good friends? Well that's how I feel about Heather. Her and Aaron are just good people. Heather and I can talk, and talk, and talk...and talk. Jesse and Aaron love it. Especially when they are watching sports...as long as the talking is done in another room, far away from the action on TV. I love you, Heather. Thanks for being my newest friend.

So...those are my girls. I also have a few personal attendants that are equally important...but I am done writing for the night and need to sign off. 

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My girls.

Rubes

Rube
Noun: A country bumpkin

For as long as I have known Jesse, he has always called his buddies, "The Rubes". I am not sure if there is a story behind it. No one has really told me. I just Googled the word. Interesting definition. It makes sense.

Jesse hasn't picked his groomsmen yet. I understand his predicament and I think his thoughtfulness behind it is quite sweet. Jesse has ushered and stood up in a combined ten weddings so he is obviously having a hard time narrowing it down to his top six Rubes. He doesn't want to leave anyone out. How sweet is that? I honestly don't care if he has two dozen groomsmen. However, I'd really like him to settle on his guys. And relatively soon. I suppose I don't really need to know. But I want to know. He thinks he has plenty of time to choose them. True, the wedding is several months away...but if I left it up to Jesse he'd probably decide the night before our nuptials. And we definitely won't be able to pull of the following look if he waits until the eleventh hour.

www.megsmith.com

I am really loving this look. Loving it a lot. I haven't found myself getting too excited about any particular "look" yet. So the fact that I am loving something is a pretty big deal. I am pretty indifferent when it comes to fashion and stuff. You should have seen me the day I got my dress. I nearly wept. Not because I found the perfect dress and I was overwhelmed with emotion over finding it. Nope. I was over the moon ecstatic (almost to the point of tears) because I found my dress the first time I went shopping for one. Hallelujah! Praise the bridal gods!! It's over and done with and I can cross that giant task off my list.  Interestingly enough, the dress I chose was the first wedding dress I put on...and Lord willing, I won't put another one again after August 27, 2011. Don't get me wrong, I really love the dress I chose. It's beautiful and I feel wonderful in it. I am just elated that the picking it out process is over. But as for the guys...I have been quite stumped when it came to what we should do for them. We know that the formal monkey suit attire isn't going to work for an outdoor wedding. To the future groomsmen: You are welcome. We want something relaxed and comfortable. However, I still think the guys should have a distinct look that sets them apart from the other guests. And I want it to be fun and quirky. What's more fun and quirky than suspenders?

Jesse...this is your mission. Please accept it?

Step One: Pick your Rubes. Soon. Half a dozen. A dozen. Several dozen. Just pick them. Please.

Step Two: Convince your Rubes to wear suspenders similar to the ones pictured above.

Step Three: Give your fiancee a high five.

What do you guys think? Yay or nay on the suspenders? I think I have already made up my mind but feel free to give your advice anyway. Jaime, I am sure you've got lots to say about this. I can't wait for your clever and witty response. ;)

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Rubes

Too much time on my hands

So I find myself with a little too much time on my hands lately (click on that link...you won't be disappointed...it may or may not be the greatest Styx song EVER)...but yet I haven't done anything to plan this wedding since I picked out my dress a few weeks ago. I am kind of in a blah state of affairs with everything. I honestly thought I'd be more excited about the whole process. I think my laid back attitude toward our day has made Jesse a very happy boy, though. No angry bridezilla moments....yet. Don't worry. There is still time, honey.

Oh and I can't believe we have 14 followers. Sa-weet! 

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Too much time on my hands

My Weekend Sans Lauren

So as many of you loyal followers may or may not know, Lauren and her friend Cathy (Ed McMahon to Lauren's Johnny Carson) were in Chicago this weekend. This means that the puppies and I had the luxury flat to ourselves for 48 hours.

"That looks like Soldier Field over there." - Lauren
"You are correct, sir!!" - Cathy

I saw Lauren and Cathy off to the Charles Lindbergh terminal (note: refusal to call it "Terminal 1", pure brutality) at around 5 AM Saturday morning. Needless to say, it was a bit of a production, but we got there in plenty of time. And they were off...I really was sadder than I thought I would be, especially at that time of the morning......After the drop-off, I even had fancied going to the office for a few hours to do some organizing. The calls of my 8-plus year old, queen-size bed proved much too strong.

The vast majority of the day Saturday was indeed spent on our splendid $100 couch, watching college football (I do realize that many would be hard-pressed to call the Gophers "college football", but I digress). BoBo and Apple were well tempered I must say.  I would check in here and there with my better half. It definitely sounded like she was having a boat-load more fun than I was. Although, I am perfectly OK with spending a day on the couch if needed (No, not EVERY single day. Otherwise I would be four-hondo plus).

That night was spent in the glorious first-ring suburb known as Roseville. At Grumpy's bar and thrill. It was my buddy Massive Matt's 30th birthday party (or Mastiff Matt as Lauren originally had thought).  It was good to see some old faces and other folks that I don't get to see as much anymore. It was a legitimately a great time (not a forced "good time" like when Uncle Beavis has a barstool retirement ceremony at the Tavern). Although much of the night I kept thinking about how much fun Lauren would have been having (insert Full House aahhhhhh" sound here).

I'm sure she was having plenty of fun in the Second City though....and I confirmed that with a phone call later on.

Sunday....Big ups to daylight savings for allotting me an extra hour of slumber. Bowie interrupted my dream just at the point when Gardy had told me it was my time to pinch hit. It may have been for the best, I think it's the dream where I get beaned in the throat by a 97 MPH fastball.




Damnit Gardy, you should have left Nick Punto in.



I proceeded to complete my fantasy football roster (2-1 in my three leagues this week for those of you keeping score at home) and watch the Vikes game. Emotional rollercoaster, but what else is new. Favre saves the season and Chilly lives to coach another day...yippie!

I rolled over to my folks for a little while after the game to check out their new Jeep. Very nice (Borat voice)! Apple spotted a dead rabbit in the front yard and luckily I cinched the leash before she feasted on it. After about 3 hours of dominating their pantry, I headed back home to rest up for Monday Monday.




Jesse at 7:30 Monday morning

 Monday Monday....back to work, nothing new there. And finally Lauren was back in sweet home Minnetonka....And all was back to normal!! ◦

My Weekend Sans Lauren

Breaking my silence

Alright, I feel I need to address a few things from this blog entry. I have stayed silent long enough. Almost EIGHT hours. And for those of you who know me, eight hours is a long time for this girl to stay quiet about anything.

So let's just go down the list...

About the claim that I watch Jesse while he sleeps...ok, yes, I do it. I don't make a habit of doing it but I find myself doing it on occasion (ie: pretty much every night). Why do I do this? I can explain. Jesse sleeps with a red neck pillow around his neck. He had a back spasm of sorts a couple months ago (he IS almost 30 after all) and he found that he sleeps better with the neck pillow. Well the spasm is gone...but the pillow remains. I think it's become a bit of a security blanket for him as he even walks around the apartment with it draped over his neck for about 15 minutes before he falls asleep every night. Anyway...where was I going with this? Oh yeah. Me watching him sleep. So he sleeps on his side. Being that the neck pillow is around his neck (uhhh, where else would a neck pillow be?), it squishes his cheeks against the pillow his head is on. And yeah, not gonna lie, it's kinda comical. His lips kinda do this cute little pouty thing. Completely cracks me up. He always goes to bed before me so I see him like this almost every night. And yes, I have a picture of it. I will release it to the highest bidder. Or to the next person who signs up to follow this blog. (side note: did you notice that we have 10 followers?? Heck yes! I even see that my favorite childhood babysitter is one of our most recent followers--HI JACI!!). Did I mention that followers of this blog will have VIP seating status at the wedding? There might even be something else in store for you too. Stay tuned!

Jesse's favorite pillow.

Now...about me haunting Jesse's next girlfriend in the event of my untimely death. This is completely true. I have threatened this. But just once. I know this sounds ridiculously creepy. And it pretty much is. I will admit 100% that I have a bit of a jealous streak in me. The thought of Jesse being with someone else drives me batty. I can only imagine how crazy it would make me if I were dead and a ghost. I don't even remember how the subject came up. Jungle (Jesse's best friend) tells the story so much better than I can. He insists that the statement came completely out of left field and was entirely unprovoked. In fact, he says that I just blurted it out while the three of us were silently riding home together one night. Now that would be creepy. But I am convinced that something was said that provoked me to say it. What it was I cannot recall. Maybe the voices in my head? Probably.

Threatening to haunt someone after you die is not creepy at all, right?

 (PS-I hate that dumb naked bongo playing Matthew McCrappy actor)

So that's that. I feel better for getting all that off my chest. And I guess my cousin's best friend wasn't kidding when she said any and all conversations her and I have prior to the wedding are hers to blog about. And for those of you who are following this blog for the wedding aspect of things, I apologize. I am sure you didn't sign on to read about Jesse's odd sleeping habits (you have to admit they are pretty funny, though). I will be back to my wedding rambles shortly. In fact, I think it's Jesse's turn to blog. I am leaving him home alone with the kids this weekend. I am sure he will have all sorts of things to blog about. ◦

Breaking my silence

Pleading the fifth...

I can neither confirm nor deny the validity of this blog post. However, I found it funny and feel the need to share it with you. ◦

Pleading the fifth...