Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

My sister and I got up early on Saturday, as we had a big day ahead of us. We began it with a trip to the dry cleaner's so I could pick up the dress we'd agreed I should wear.

Just in case, I wore a white skirt and black top which we figured could be a good backup outfit, should something go wrong at the dry cleaner's.

Much to our relief, everything went smoothly, and we picked up the dress.

Then we drove to the hotel where Mom and The Pastor were staying. There, I changed into my dress, the cream and chocolate brown halter dress with a champagne colored band, which I'd worn to the semiformal event at my dad's annual medical banquet. We all hopped in our cars and drove to the local IHOP for breakfast.

I must admit; I was feeling the effects of sleep deprivation. Only a couple hours earlier, I'd tried to apply lipstick as concealer. Fortunately, it was a subdued gloss, not a bright red, so it was easy to remove. Even at breakfast, my brain still wasn't firing on all pistons, and I made silly mistakes with things that I said. This trend would continue throughout the day, but at least it was better than the Time Suck of the day before.

My sister and The Pastor left as soon as they were finished eating, to head to my College Roommate's place, where they would help her prepare for the shower. Mom and I took our time finishing our meals, then settled the bill.

We had nearly two hours until we were due at the shower, so we thought we'd drive to the general neighborhood of my College Roommate and then find a way to occupy ourselves until it was time.

My original idea had been to find a park where we could enjoy some fresh air, since my College Roommate lives in a rural area. As we arrived in that general area, though, I wanted to stop at a Border's to use the restroom. While there, Mom shopped for gifts to give my Dad and also The Pastor's son, who were caring for their pets while they were away. Most of the gifts were very girly, covered with flowers or pastel patterns. A small table of Father's Day gifts — all black and steel — were geared towards the stereotypical golfing, fly-fishing dad. Not my dad at all.

So we browsed next in a nearby Pier One, where Mom found some serving forks for Dad. I unexpectedly found a possible way to jazz up our ceremony site: sheer teal curtains with an abstract retro design. They could be hung at the front of the room, Mom and I thought, behind the officiant. On an impulse, I bought them, figuring that if we don't use them for the wedding, we can use them for home decor.

Then we returned to Borders, where Mom bought Super Munchkin for The Pastor's son, since he's into gaming. I assured her that he ought to like it.

We thought we were about on time to make our appearance at the shower, but when I called, my College Roommate said they needed another 10 to 15 minutes. Mom was tired of shopping, so my College Roommate directed us to a little nearby park. I remembered everything except the last turn, so we missed the park. So I headed towards her house, taking our time. We pulled over in a cul-de-sac for Mom to take a picture of a little pond. Just then, I got a call that they were ready for us.

As we neared my College Roommate's home, my nerves got to me a little. I knew my sister had something special planned but had no idea what.

When we pulled in, my sister was standing on the back porch, which was covered with a big, red towel, like a red carpet. A bunch of gold and silver balloons decorated the railing.

Mom and I walked up, and I called out, "Hi, we're here!"

My sister gave me a stern look and said, "Do you have an invitation? This is a very exclusive party."

"No, I don't," I admitted. Mom said she didn't have one either, although I know that's not true.

"What are your names? I'll check the guest list," she said and flourished a piece of paper, holding it up like a royal page reading a degree. I gave her our names. Immediately, her demeanor changed. "Oh, I'm so sorry. You're the guest of honor. We've been expecting you."

She pulled a white feather boa out of a bag and draped it over my shoulders. Then she opened a flat jewelry box, displaying a selection of rhinestone jewelry. "These items are a gift from famous designers, who are thrilled to have them worn by someone as beautiful and special as you." I noticed her hand was trembling. Later, she admitted she'd been nervous about how I would react to their plans. She needn't have worried.

My sister helped me put on a necklace, two bracelets and some dangly earrings, and then told me that, if I was ready, I could walk through the door.

I felt like I was on the NBC show, Thank God You're Here, where guest actors are dressed in costumes and then walk into a scene they know nothing about. The other actors feed them lines and situations, to which the guest actors improvise a response.

So now that I was properly attired, I entered the scene. I was greeted by a room full of smiling faces, several of them (my College Roommate and The Cousin's two daughters) holding sings that said, "Alyce is the Best" and "We Love You." They screamed like fans spotting their favorite celebrity.

Further into the room, The Cousin gave commentary into a hairbrush microphone, and off to the left, some paparazzi (The Pastor, The Tech Guru and The Warrior Princess) snapped photos.

The Cousin announced my arrival, calling me the bride of the year (or some such superlative). Someone, I think my College Roommate, handed me a rose.

Suddenly, the red carpet, the exclusive guest list and the bling-bling made sense, and I understood my role. I greeted my fans with handshakes and waves, assuming the regal bearing of Hollywood greats like Audrey Hepburn.

As I approached The Cousin, she asked me for an interview for "the webcast." For an instant, I believed her and glanced at the paparazzi to look for a video camera. After all, both The Cousin and The Warrior Princess keep blogs. Nothing but still cameras there. Whew!

"How do you feel on this exciting day?" The Cousin asked, then pointed the hairbrush my way.

"Nervous. You never know what to expect," I said. "And excited. And so very proud."

She asked me a few other questions, and then announced that I was receiving a special award for all of my hard work on wedding planning. The Tech Guru, who is a bridesmaid, along with my sister and my College Roommate, stepped forward and handed me a little silver cup emblazoned with the word "Endurance".

I took it graciously. "Thank you. I didn't expect to win this," I said. "It's a great honor."

My sister and my College Roommate led me into the dining room to show off the fantastic food spread, provided of course, by top chefs. Then they guided me into the living room and my place of honor, a red, velvety chair near a pile of gifts. The TV was set to a channel of hits from the '80s and '90s, suitable for a star's entrance. At least, one of my caliber.

"Speech, speech," someone called. I held the award and marveled at it as I said, "I'd really like to thank everyone. There are so many strong, wonderful women in my life, and they help make me the woman I am. I am thrilled to receive this award on their behalf."

Then I posed for pictures, both by myself, holding the award, and with my sister. I was too tired and overwhelmed to think straight, or I might have posed with other people, as well, such as my other bridesmaids or my mom.

I also paused for a picture with one of my biggest fans.

We all sampled some food then, which was delicious, including lasagna, chicken cordon bleu, salad, a corn and vegetable dish, cheese and crackers, fruit, punch and juice and, for dessert, brownies and ricotta cheesecake. Truly a spread worthy of such a high class event.

We conversed as we ate, and there was a good deal of entertaining conversation with this group of bon vivants, especially The Cousin's two daughters, who vary between silly behavior and surprisingly astute observations. I never know what they'll come up with next. They really are the toast of the town.

After the meal, my sister distributed door prizes of jar candles for the person who had known me the longest, which turned out to be my College Roommate, and the person who had traveled the farthest, the Warrior Princess. My mom, of course, was disqualified from participating, as she would have easily won, having known me since I was an egg.

My sister then distributed a quiz of 20 questions about me. Whoever got the most correct answers would win the big prize, an insulated tote bag with a print of Monet's water lillies, suitable for carrying everything from beach gear to craft projects.

The questions ranged from easy ones, like "What is the name of the convention Alyce helps organize?" (Otakon), to more difficult, like "What musical instruments does Alyce play?" (piano, clarinet, guitar).

Amusingly, my College Roommate and The Warrior Princess tied for the top number of correct answers, so my sister suggested a tie breaker: how many pets does Alyce have and what are their names? The Warrior Princess answered immediately, getting both right, so we awarded her the prize. She was happy with it, saying she's sure it will be useful. Too bad our doggie, Una, and kitty, Luke, weren't there, or they could have congratulated her in person.

(from left) The Tech Guru, The Warrior Princess, The Cousin

Then came the gift opening. My College Roommate kept track of the gifts as I opened each one. Some came from our wedding registries, while other guests surprised me with thoughtful items I didn't expect. All the gifts looked extremely useful, and I was happy to receive them.

The youngest daughter took the ribbons from the gifts and put them on a paper plate, which according to The Cousin, I'm supposed to use as my bouquet during the wedding rehearsal. It also makes a nifty hat.

We all stayed a little longer to socialize. My delayed brain finally caught up a little, and I introduced The Warrior Princess to The Tech Guru, knowing they have a lot in common, from a head for technical things to a love of cats. Sure enough, they soon got into an animated conversation which lasted until we all left.

The Cousin filled me in on some wedding traditions, such as the fact that, in modern years, the items a bride receives at her shower serve as her dowry: what she brings to the marriage. Guess I'm set!

At around 4 p.m., my College Roommate's husband called to say he was heading back with their little boy, so we all loaded up our cars and said good-bye. I gave everyone a hug and thanked them for coming, as any award-winning diva would do.

Meanwhile, as we were at the shower, The Gryphon and two of his groomsmen, The Cheshire Cat and The Dormouse, were taking in a matinee of Spider-Man 3 and then going to dinner. They planned to return to our place afterwards to hang out.

My sister and I wanted some more sister time, though. First, we called my hair salon to ask about an eyebrow waxing. The makeup consultant at Clinique had suggested it, and even though she was generally incompetent, my sister has her eyebrows waxed regularly and agreed it was a good idea. The salon wasn't able to work me in on such short notice, so I set up an appointment for Thursday.

I suppose most divas would do their eyebrows before award night, but hey, I dare to be different.

Then we drove home, stopping for coffee at Mr. Donut on the way. My sister, who had held it together all day despite the stress, spilled her coffee all over the trash can, but the clerk very kindly replaced it. Star treatment, baby.

At home, we brought the presents in and took some more pics, using a timer, before changing into some casual clothes.

I left a note for The Gryphon, telling him we had gone out for dinner and to do some shopping.

Since we weren't yet hungry, we drove to IKEA and browsed the store. Both of us love their displays, and we had a great time walking through them, talking about what we liked. As we were checking out, though, I realized my wallet was missing, so I called home. The Gryphon answered and agreed to check. I suggested he look on the porch, where I'd dumped out my purse while looking for my car keys. Sure enough, the wallet had fallen on the floor.

My sister agreed to spot me for dinner so that we could avoid stopping at home first. We asked The Gryphon of a suggestion for sushi, and he recommended a restaurant on Route 30. But we were concerned about the expense, so I took her to the King Buffet at the Plymouth Meeting Mall, which offers sushi and a variety of Chinese food.

I guess it was about 9 p.m. when we headed back. At my sister's suggestion, we opened a bottle of white wine and everyone who wanted had a glass. We spent some nice time hanging out with the guys until it got late and people headed home.

Even our doggie, Una, had a good time, hanging out on the couch with The Cheshire Cat and The Dormouse. The Cheshire Cat explained that the reason he wasn't friendlier with Una the last couple times he visited was because he was wearing nice clothes and was worried about the pet hair. Certainly, I can identify with that.

At the end of the day, I was flying high. Somehow, even though I knew exactly when and where the shower would take place, as well as who had been invited, my family and friends had managed to surprise me and to truly make me feel special.

More on Alyce's wedding planning:

Musings on Alyce's Wedding

Copyright 2006 by Alyce Wilson

May 2007 Index

Musings Index

What do you think? Share your thoughts
at Alyce's message board (left button):