The Most Influencial Women in My Life & Cannon Balls

Our wedding countdown has turned from weeks into DAYS.  Only 11 days until I marry my Prince Charming!  The last month under the Old Walnut tree has been busy busy busy.  I gotta say, I’m really enjoying the wedding planning.  More precisely, I could do without the stress, but thoroughly enjoy the chance to bond with some of my favorite people in the world. 

In July, my Mother, Auntie, and Maid of Honor planned and prepared the most fantastic bridal shower in Cle Elum. 

(Sisters/Cousins/Friends)(Momsie's Hilarious Cookbook)
The guests consisted of the most influential ladies in my life.  From my Grandmother to Aunts to my mom’s best friends from childhood and today.  Needless to say, I was teary eyed most of the day.  I was overcome with the simple joy of being surrounded by the women who contributed most to who I am today. 

So, you are likely considering the guest list and assuming that it was a mellow affair of tea and crumpets.  Whoa buddy!  My Auntie Rulla was the first to cannon ball into the swimming pool fully dressed, followed shortly by Suzi, Auntie Caren, and my Mother.  Their unbridled enthusiasm was contagious as the rest of us dove into the pool before the day was done.

Witnessing the love between this group of girlfriends was truly magical.  Across the span of years, distance, and obstacles, Auntie Rulla, Suzi, and Viv have maintained their enduring friendships. 

They accept each other’s imperfections and celebrate their strengths.  They laugh uncontrollable and smile uninterrupted.  They are inspirational.       

Even the guys had participated in our impromptu co-ed bridal shower.  Sharing the day with the most influential men in my life made the shower complete. 

Thank you to everyone who drove all the way to Cle Elum to shower Brett and I with love.  We sincerely appreciate your generous gifts and rich conversations. 

 I aim to be as loving and thoughtful as each of our amazing guests.  One day when we are hosting a shower for the next generation of girls, I will jump in the pool fully dressed and think, “Wow, those ladies sure taught me how to have a good time!”       

Las Vegas Rhymes with Chi Omegas

Now wait a minute.  What happened to July?  Was I so caught up in the fabulous Seattle weather that the month sped by me?  Nah, it’s been rainy and miserable in Seattle for two consecutive years.  Was I so caught up in wedding planning that the month sped by me?  Nah, the wedding will just come together.  Was I so caught up in the afterburn of Vegas that the month sped by me?  That sounds about right.  Who should we blame for that?  Colleen Fife!

Miss Colleen Fife is one of my all-time favorite college friends.  Colleen is one of the kindest, sweetest, loving girls I know.  Colleen loves her friends like family and would do anything for someone in need.  Additionally, Colleen is a kickin’ good time!  If you can understand what she’s saying though her squeaky voice, I guarantee it’s hilarious.  She never turns down a chance to catch up with old friends or refuses a frosty beverage.  She is good natured, laid back, relentlessly accepts being the butt of jokes, and is marrying a boy from the Valley.  All things I admire in Colleen.

When Colleen invited me to her Bachelorette party in Vegas, I was devastated to decline.  I could not possibly afford to go to Vegas while Brett and I saved for our wedding.  I could not possibly afford to go to Vegas when I lacked annual leave at work.  Vegas was out of the question. 

Then, the Love of My Life noticed me moping around the house.  He asked if I knew about Colleen’s Bachelorette plans.  He asked if I knew my entire Chi O family was going.  He asked if I knew Tegan was flying in from Korea to go.  Yes, yes, Brett, don’t rub it in.  Mope. Mope.  It didn’t take too much moping before Brett convinced me that I needed to be in Vegas with my girls.  Brett booked the tickets and I was on my way.  Thank you, Baby!

After a mad dash through Sea Tac and one bloody toe, I arrived in Vegas with 17 of my favorite Chi Omegas.  The wonderful thing about my sorority sisters is that we pick up exactly where we left off.  For example, I haven’t seen Marissa since our last trip to Vegas in 2008.  Yet, we quickly caught up on each other’s lives, loves, and laughs.  Like in 2008, Marissa and I spent most of the trip at the Las Vegas county library studying astrophysics.  Marissa is so responsible!

Speaking of responsible… it was an absolute joy to reunite with Tegan.  She flew in from Korea with her boyfriend Young Bum aka Benjamin.  Poor Young Bum’s first time in the grand USA was with 17 crazy girls in Vegas.  He flawlessly navigated the craziness by teaching us clever Korean phrases and drinking through the language barrier. 

Tegan and I relaxed by the pool, reminisced about the old days, and reflected on the meaning of life.  Seriously.  I genuinely adore any time I can spend with Tegan for our meaningful conversations and unwavering respect for one another.  I miss her dearly when she is away, but cherish the time we have together.     

My roommates in Vegas are simply amazing women: Maureen, Becca, Erica, and (oh surprise!) Rachel.  Two fiancés, three wives, and all mothers to either furry or human children.  At home, they are all successful, happy, loving, and inspiring.  In Vegas, they are all those things AND my personal entertainment.  We were the oldest and most allegedly the most mature of the gaggle of 17.  In advance, we predicted that our room would be tired, lame, and annoyed.  Nope, we ended up being awesome, fun, and full of stamina.  Looks like we still got it! 

After two incredible nights with my girls, we boarded our flight home.  In the interest of full disclosure, I missed Brett and Harper terribly.  I snuck away from the group any chance I had to call home.  I leapt into Brett’s arms when he arrived at the airport with flowers (aww).  It is great to be back under the Old Walnut Tree.    

Nonetheless, my sorority sisters and I share a bond that is immeasurable.  These ladies are thoughtful, intelligent, successful, caring, entertaining, and hilarious.  I thoroughly enjoyed our laughing fits, sharing stories, and learning even more about their lives.  We may not see each other as frequently as we would like, but there is a connection between us all that “doesn’t end, it lasts forever”.  Thank you, Chi Os for an amazing vacation and to Colleen for giving us an excuse to reconvene.  I cannot wait to see you all again at the wedding of Mr. & Mrs. Hart.  LYSICO!