My Best Friend's Wedding

On New Years day when one of my absolute best friends told me she was engaged, I was elated while at the sametime I was distraught that I would not be able to be there for her special day.  She has been there beside me through everything.  She was my first friend in Mississippi.  She was there the morning Ryan died.  She was there with all of my problems in high school.  And she proudly stood up there with me when Matt and I got married 4 years ago.  I was so sad that I would not be there for her on her special day.

One day in April I received both her wedding invitation and another close friend's baby shower invitation in the mail on the same day, and I cried an embarassing amount.  Soon after that my mom mentioned that she might have enough frequent flyer tickets for me to go.  I told Katy that there was a small chance, and she asked if I could still be in her wedding if I came.  Of course, I told her if I was in Mobile, I would do whatever she wanted me to do. 

About a month later, I still was unsure if I would be able to go, but told her to order the dress and I would pay her regardless if I came or not.  I was unsure of the size I needed because I have lost quite a bit of weight since arriving in Costa Rica.  Shortly after that my mom sent me an email saying she did not have the frequent flyers to send me.  Immediately after, I received an email from my mom saying "Happy Mothers Day, I love you" attatched to a flight itenerary for the weekend of Katy's wedding.  Oh, what excitement!!

I immediately got busy finding shoes for the dress and ordering things for everyone in the family from Target: shoes and shorts for Haley, shirts for me, shorts for Matt.  I was scheduled to have a test the Friday I was gone, so I talked to my teacher who allowed me to take it before I left so that my grade would not be ruined.  I knew that being in the States for such a short time and being completely at the expense of others would make the places I went in the States few, but I had a list in my head of what was most important:  Sonic, Target, Walmart and Chikfila (or Canes if there was one).  Really, I didn't care if I did any of those things; I was just happy to go to my best friend's wedding.

I my house on Thursday morning before the sun got up.  My suitcase weighed only about 10lbs at the airport, but I knew that it was going to fill up while I was in the states.  I made it to Houston right on time, and only had about an hour and ten minutes before my flight to Mobile.  Although I was near the back of the plane, I was one of the first from my flight through customs.  There was a plane full of JR High Kids that I barreled past because I did not want to get stuck behind them in customs.  I got through customs in record time, but the line to enter the terminals was horrendous.  I never understand why after going through customs we once again have to go through security; we never leave a secure area.  Regardless, after making it through security, I rushed from terminal E to B just in time to start boarding for Mobile.

We arrived in Mobile a few minutes early, and I eagarly got my bag and found Katy.  She asked if I wanted lunch, and when she told me what was near, I jumped at the chance to eat Chikfila.  Yum.  We went to the church to decorate the building, and finished the day by eating Mexican food and swiming at the hotel of one of the other bridesmaid's.

Friday started off with manicures and pedicures.  Oh, what a luxury!  The pedicures had hot water with jets, and I got to sit in a message chair.  After the bliss of being pampered we ran several errands, then I tried on my dress that I had neither seen nor tried on.  I had everyone from my Zumba class here in CR praying that it would look ok on me.  Without even having to suck in, or wear special undergarments, the dress fit perfectly.  A seamstress was there trying it on with me on the chance it didn't fit so that she could make some emergency alterations.

At lunch time, we sent Katy to have one last meal with her parents and grandparents, and Sarah and I found a Sonic and a Target.  Whether or not Sarah believed it, I showed immense self-restraint.  I only bought one t-shirt and one thing of PJ's for Haley when I wanted to buy her one of everything in the clothes department.  I loaded up the basket with special things like koolade and pudding mix, things that we can live without, but are nice to have.  The only bad purchase was an ATT phone card.  I was under the impression that after I canceled my phone, I could use it as a pay as you go phone.

Friday evening, I had gone with Katy to her apartment so she could clean up before the rehearsal.  While I was there, a frantic Matt called from a friend's house to tell me that Haley was sick and the computer had crashed (both literally and figuritively).  Haley had been pulled out of her class at school because her fever was 103.  Later that day she threw up and had diarreah.  I felt horrible for him and for my sick little girl.  I hate so much when she feels bad.  To make matters worse, I couldn't talk long because it was time to leave for the rehearsal. 

Saturday, the entire day was dedicated to the wedding.  I arrived at the church at 10:45, and did not leave until after 7.  Katy was so beautiful and elegant.  The top layer of the dress was lace, and her hair was up.  She had red shoes, but most people couldn't see it.  Each bridesmaid carried a different color of gerbera daisies.  The flower girl had baby's breath in her hair. 

The wedding itself had several funny, unexpected parts (at least on Katy and Mark's behalf).  When the preacher asked who was going to give Katy away, Les said he was unsure and flipped a coin, telling Mark to call it.  Fortunately for Mark, it landed on heads like he called.  During the wedding the rings were misplaced, and Katy's was thrown into the flowers behind her (it was supposed to go into the baptistry).  The best man had attached the ring to some fishingline so he wouldn't lose it. 

At the reception, I got to spend some time with some people from Columbus, MS where I grew up.  That was nice.  Afterwards, I helped the Chaffins clean the building.  Les and Phyllis graciously took me to WalMart to buy a computer (we can buy one in the States for cheaper than getting one fixed here), and fortunately, WalMart was having a big computer sale.  I got a new laptop for $300 and some vitamins for my teacher.

Before I left, Katy's mom told me that my being there was the best present she could have asked for for Katy.  While in the States, it is fun to drink Dr. Pepper and eat at Sonic and other places I can't usually eat, it was most special to be there as Katy Chaffin became Katy Aldred.

Going to the States!

Wow it has been a couple weeks since I have blogged.  Our life is pretty monotnous.  We get up make breakfast, go to school, come home, make lunch, relax, go to the park, make dinner, do homework and go to bed.  We wake up and do the same thing the next day.  But this weekend, I will have a change in my routine.  Thursday morning, I am going to wake up before the sun and fly to Mobile, AL to see one of my best friend's get married.  This was an unexpected gift.  I have been friends with Katy since I moved to Mississippi when I was 11.  I am so excited to see such a dear friend marry the love of her life.  Please pray that I will have safe travels, and pray that Matt and Haley will have a fun weekend here in Costa Rica (I know they will; Matt is planning pizza, donuts, icecream, and burgers plus a lot of time at the park)