Weddingpalooza!

My beautiful cousin Jen!!!

It seems as if love is in the air as of late. People in my world are getting engaged and married left and right. I'll be attending a coworker's wedding tomorrow. Another one was married just a few weeks ago. My cousin Jennifer got hitched and so did my friends Megan and Wes. More on the horizon...good lands. Now, I find people fall into two camps when it comes to weddings...the "I dos" and the "I don'ts!" Weddings can be stuffy, boring, long, and an unfriendly reminder that you're incredibly single...if you are in fact...incredibly single.

However, they can also be amazingly fun. The first ingredient for a fun wedding is fun people. Thankfully, I find them in abundance in my life. From big church weddings to gettin' hitched at the movies a fun wedding is a always good time!

It's close to midnight and something evil's lurking in the dark...

For Jen's wedding, we all learned "Thriller" for the reception! Nothing like seeing your 50 something aunt and uncle out there owning it Zombie style at your cousin's wedding. My gosh I love my family. There was plenty of dancing that night...thanks to the hilariously great band!

Jen's hubs and his sister...they fit into the family quite well!

Top hats are always welcome in my world. Jennifer gave that one to Chris for his wedding present. He gave her a giant pack of twizzlers...it was just what she wanted. They're made for each other!

Val and Katie primping it up before the wedding. (Thanks for the pics Jen!)

Megan and Wes descending the stairs at the Alabama Theater!

The Mighty Wurlitzer! The organ rises from a pit in the floor...this is how Wes, the groom entered...however, that's not him...that's the actual organist. This is one of many reasons why the Alabama Theater is extremely cool.

Also, weddings are a great excuse for a cheesecake bar...and who doesn't love a cheesecake bar? One thing I'm liking is that weddings are becoming more and more personal...if you want to wear a polka-dot dress and red shoes instead of a big white dress, you can. If you want to get married in a theater instead of a traditional venue, you can. Maybe your maid of honor is a dude. Maybe your best man is the girl you've been friends with since you were 5...whatever! If you want red velvet cake, an ice cream bar, a cheesecake bar, or strawberry shortcake at your reception...go for it. (Yes, all of those were present at Jen/Meg's weddings! Score!) Weddings should reflect the people in them...if traditional is what you want, awesome! If you're a little more offbeat, more power to you!

Everything leading up to the weddings was fun too...both Jen and Meg opted for Bachelorette parties in Panama City...and well, I'm not one to turn down fun times at the beach! Everything from Snoop Dogg in concert to "A Bachelorette Scavenger Hunt" was involved and it was ridiculous from the word go!

Heading to La Vela to see Snoop...yep. That's how we roll. (Also, I'm apparently a giant.) That night was insane in so many ways...oh lands...none of which will be repeated here!

We are team 2, the bride was on team 1...an epic battle ensued. Shenanigans were had. Scavenger hunts were completed! Team 2 was victorious...although team one put up a pretty valiant effort, especially the bride, watch out, she's a kicker!

Anyway, it's been a good wedding season and it's not over yet! However...I've noticed something about myself. I'll illustrate my point below. I can ghetto up any occasion...and I often enlist others to help me keep it klassy.

Sadly, you can't see me flashing deuces here, but I've corrupted Sloan enough that the pic is still satisfying.

Here, you can see them. Word.

I've never been the girl that's planned her wedding since she was 6 years old...I don't really know much at all about what I want. I figure I'll start caring when it's more than just me involved. A couple of things I think I might know...I would like red velvet cake to be present in some way. Two, I think I want to get married on Nov. 1st, for the singular fact that Halloween night would be a great excuse to host a "haunted wedding masquerade" for the rehearsal dinner! Costumes, Halloween themed dance mix, and cheesy horror movies would probably all need to be involved. I guess we'll see how that goes! (Anyone I'd consider marrying would have to be up for that.)

Sarasota Dos!

The fourth of July was great. We'd been out that day, hung around for a party and watched the fireworks from the pool deck at the Hyatt. We also almost witnessed a brawl between two drunk guys. I never really heard what the issue was, but it was taking place roughly 5 feet in front of Carrie, Mystic, and I so we backed up and watched out...thankfully some guy diffused the situation and the belligerent drunk guys went their separate ways. Ah America...where it's not a celebration unless someone's punched in the face!

Sunday, beach day! Wooohooo! Siesta Key was lovely and not as crowded as Lido last year. We lounged, some read, some played in the water. Colleen and I caught school after school of tiny fish. It was roughly 700 degrees that day though, so it was tough on those of us who party at the pale club.

Carrie wore her "burkasuit" since the sun was unforgiving. I myself, also being of the vampire nature, covered myself in plenty of sunblock so I could stay outside amongst the daywalkers.

Carrie, Karen, Sheila, and Chip hanging out and having fun. It really was a great day to just sit on the sand and play in the water.

It was Kim's first time to see the ocean and she loved it! We only stayed out a couple of hours due to the sun and the heat...even the folks that tan were getting a bit red.

The races were also Sunday and after they were over, the awards were handed out by Capt. Keith. Trav also got up and spoke for a moment. Geico took home the big prize again! Scottie from Geico is up there accepting the trophey from Keith. Scottie will always be awesome.

This was when my camera battery died and so I don't have any pics of all the shenanigans that took place that night, but trust me, they were many. Everyone gathered at the Hyatt for a big boisterous after party, Wizard, Wizette, Hillstrands, and Raceteams. It was a big celebration and crazy times. The Hyatt will never be the same...especially the 502...but if you don't know about that already, you don't need to! ;)

Sarasota is a great town filled with great people who put on a fantastic event every year for a worthy cause. I always enjoy the time I get to spend there.

I still write stuff here!

So, I've been out of town for a couple of weeks and haven't had the time or ability to blog. However, before I move on to the epicness that was my latest trip to Alaska; I'd like to finish the Sarasota stuff. I hate leaving anything unfinished...even though it's not a rare thing. Also, while I've never been one to write a diary or journal (I have before, but there are sometimes years between entries) I've come to greatly enjoy having a place to...well...keep up with myself. I feel that I've been very fortunate in my life to experience some of the things that I have and I want to keep writing just so I can look back and smile at the various events in my life that I've been blessed enough to enjoy or blessed enough to survive. It's amazing what a little piece of internet real-estate can help you appreciate.

More tomorrow...

Sarasota! Uno

Sarasota...how I miss you.

This was the view from our hotel room at the Hyatt...good ol 502. Sarasota is a gorgeous city with great people. The suncoast of Florida is always good to me.

Most everyday was spent lounging by the pool. The pool at the Hyatt is an amazing place. It's got a splendid little waterfall, lined with palms, and right by the marina...it's a nice place to let the day slip away.

Carrie and I both loved the pool, but you can tell by our skin tone that we aren't exactly sun worshipers...we went through a lot of sunblock last weekend. By sunblock, I don't mean that wimpy spf 15. I'm talking 100...+ Yes. They actually make that and people actually use it. Count yourself lucky if you're one of those people with melanin!

The marina by the pool. It's a cool view and you get to see some wicked boats...

like the Mystic from Geico! (Funny story, the Mystic is pulled by a truck named the Lizzie...so you have the Mystic and the Liz...Mystic and I got pics in front of them last year. We took it as a good omen. lol!)
There were some sick bikes out and about too. I loved the chrome work rims, the green paint job, it was just a great looking ride.

Trav showed up for the fun, as he always does. Of course, it's hard to find Trav without a goofy look on his face...

photo courtesy of Cheryl Smith

but being surrounded by a bunch of ladies seems to have put a smile on his face. lol!

Again, see! This was the little shindig put together for the "Wizettes" with Keith and Trav. It was basically just us all hanging out and having a good time. So many of us have met before or talked online for years, made real friendships, and just enjoy each other outside of the DC aspects, so it was like a great big reunion/meet and greet.

Photo courtesy of Sheila Stowers

Mystic and I with the boss. lol!

Heather, Velvet, and Debs were representing the rockstar group.

Pate, my awesome fire fighting friend gets a good hug from Keith...

...and Carrie gets a lift!

Photo courtesy of Dawn Carter

Keith and Trav made the kid's day!

Photo courtesy of Sheila Stowers

Cheryl shows off the book she put together from several cool poems and writings on the Crabwizard forum.

Photo courtesy of Sheila Stowers

Sheila and I have been friends online for years now and it was great to actually be able to give her a hug in person. She and Karen have gotten to be good buds too!

Photo courtesy of Mystic

We took a lot of pics (obviously) and just generally had a great time.

Photo courtesy of Capt. Keith Colburn

Keith and Trav both participated in the "Friendliest Catch" fishing tournament with a great group of kids and adults and raised a lot of money for the Florida Center. I was unfortunately still at home at this point and didn't get to attend, but I hear it was fabulous and a lot of the girls helped out a lot on the boats.

There goes one of the race boats on a test run out in the bay. Those suckers can fly. We went out on Geico's Caveman last year, hit about 100mph, good times and fast rides!

Speaking of Geico, this is Scottie. He drives for Geico and he's awesome...AWESOME. He's the guy that took us out on the Caveman last year and hung out with us Sunday night. He's first class.

Dawn, Amber, and Carrie are discussing an unfortunate wardrobe choice we all just witnessed.

Pate, Dawn, myself, and Amber hanging out in the VIP beer tent...they had free salmon! :D It was hotter than hades that day and the tent and free bottles of water were greatly appreciated!

The parties and various tents that were set up were great and it's wonderful to see so many friends again...and to meet new ones. More later!

I've realized...I'm a horrible blogger...also, vacation time! :D

See you tomorrow amazing pool! (Thanks for the pic Mystic!)

Yeah, so I realized I'm pretty awful at blogging consistently. Granted, work blocking blogger (curse you firewalls!) has really put a damper on my posting. Still, I'm amazed at those of you I follow who post one, two, three blogs a day! You are my blogging inspiration. I'm good to get one up every few weeks it seems. Oh well, eh, whatever.

Aaaaaanyway, just the rundown on the recent hap-hap-happenings around the home-front. My father had a pacemaker/defibrillator put in...and because his heart is enlarged, twisted to the side, and has shepard's crook veins, it was a wee bit more difficult than it should have been. In the doctor's words (on the second, yes, second, attempt at the operation) "you're the most difficult case I've ever faced!" Sadly, we're pretty used to that phrase in my fam. However, Dad is now doing very well and itching to get back to the golf course. He's also lost over 100lbs so far this year! WOW! Dad, you're awesome and I love you.

My grandmother and brother-in-law were also in the hospital. Nana's good. Bro nearly died thanks to some crazy horrible shenanigans with the anesthesia, but he's fine now too...also, a "difficult case." We really make the docs earn their money!

Getting ready to go out for Jen's bachelorette party. (Yes, I am a giant.) The knee offending cousin is the one in the middle!

Me, I tore my knee up dancing...wait, no...my cousin tore my knee up while we were dancing. She fell on me. Nice huh? It was a crazy night, dancing, libations, and Snoop Dogg were all involved. It was a bachelorette party to remember for sure. For a month I limped around with a big brace on...trust me, it was as sexy as sexy gets. I'm pretty much healed up now, but I think I might have one of those old people knees that can predict the weather now...which would be cool if it didn't involve you know...pain. Who cares though, because her wedding was amazing and so much fun! We even danced the Thriller at the reception...which now seems like portentous event!

The beginning of Meg's bachelorette scavenger hunt. The bride (notice the sash) was on the other team and let it be known she didn't intend to lose! (Thanks for the pic Roxy!)

PCB bachelorette party after the scavenger hunt chillin' out at Dippin' Dots. (s'mores flavor is awesomesauce!)(Thanks for the pic Roxy!)

Wow, it sounds like my family is single handedly keeping Blue Cross and Blue Shield in business. So, enough of that nonsense! On other fronts, I just got back from my second trip to Panama City. (The first involved the knee.) The latter one, another bachelorette party was injury free and a lot of fun. (The first one was fun too, really!) I was involved in a bachelorette scavenger hunt...I found plenty of bachelors, but none I really wanted to keep.

On the Miss Geico boat last year doing about 100mph.

A whole lot of us from last year. (Thanks for the pic Cheryl!)

Well, tomorrow, I head down to Sarasota FL for the Suncoast Superboat Grand Prix! I'm pretty excited. Sun, sand, and speed! In addition, I've got a lot of friends that will be in town for the event...which just makes it even better. Keith and Trav will be representing the Wizard down there and fishing in the tournament that benefits the handicapped via the suncoast foundation. It's really an awesome cause and totally worth a look. I plan to spend a great deal of time on the beach and at the pool...I just have to remember to pack the SPF 100+...yeah, I wish I was kidding too. (All of you peeps with melanin, enjoy it!)

...And that is the ultra condensed reader's digest version of the last few months. Maybe I'll get to expound a bit later! For now, it's off to bed and off to one sweet vacation! Deuces y'all!