Reunion in the Land of 10,000 Lakes

Minneapolis + St. Paul = Friendsies!

I returned home to MN to attend my high school reunion.  I originally wasn't going to go (because who really wants to go to their h.s. reunion?), and instead was going to fly back for a smaller gathering.  But those two events ended up being scheduled over the same weekend (and unfortunately, not during the MN State Fair) and I couldn't be a jerk and not go to the larger reunion.  I mean, I WAS senior class president and all.

Both events ended up being really fun, and I was glad I went to the official reunion.  Although it looked like a sad wedding reception in a hotel conference room, the very random assortment of 60 or so people who came were all so lovely and happy to be there.  Some people looked fantastic, others looked not quite so tip top.  I hadn't seen most of them since we had graduated, so it was nice to catch up.  And someone's wife made a really amazing cake. The best part was seeing some old friends--one said to me he didn't realize how much he had missed me until he saw me this visit.  Awwww.

Go Scots!

The rest of my time in MN was spent hanging out with Melanie--we took a little road trip up to Duluth, checked out some of the new spots in Minneapolis, and of course had some Baker's Square french silk pie. I did go to the Mall of America a few times since my hotel was across the street and I had an old school steak dinner at Mancini's with my aunt and uncle.  I never tire of going back home, especially when the weather is perfect.

Duluth!

Officiating in the STL

I was given the honor of officiating the wedding ceremony of two very dear friends, Jon and Xina. Vickie, Jamie and I (among others) flew out to St. Louis for a very fun Memorial weekend filled with friends, festivities, and the fear of crying during the ceremony.  I am a very sensitive sap, and in my old age I tend to cry at weddings.  ALL weddings,  even weddings I see on TV shows for people who don't exist in real life.  While I was composing my officiation speech, I outright sobbed on my couch. And then every time I read it over to practice for the big day. That did not bode well. Xina already told me I wasn't allowed to cry, be drunk, or take any sort of medication (legal or otherwise) for the ceremony. Total bridezilla, right?!

However, I am very happy to report that I kept it together and shed not one tear during the wedding.  Not even during their vows, which they wrote themselves and were very sweet. I get misty-eyed just thinking about it.

Here is the haiku I wrote for the ceremony:
   
     Big Bar NYC
     Love, then onto St. Louis
     Now, it is legal

And here are some highlights from that weekend:

On the Ferris wheel on City Museum's roof

Officiating! I pasted the text onto a big paper heart. 

The happy couple

After party fun