Though the intention for this past wkend was to celebrate the marriage of Jeff and Meredith, it became a wkend distinctly split into two parts - the wedding events and Jack's visit.

The wedding and all the events leading up to it happened smoothly and most likely as planned and hoped by Meredith and her parents. Probably the only unexpected twist was Zanger, the best man, pulling out a mullet wig during his toast at the rehearsal dinner. I could not tell whether Meredith's father grimaced with a disparaging look or was simply shocked at the inside joke he did not understand. Nevertheless, we Vandy kids gave a hearty laugh from our side of the private room. Without shame, several groomsmen and mullet "admirers" one by one sported the mullet look in front of the entire room! A friend and I were chatting before I left for the wedding, and she said, "Candice, weddings are places to meet people! So have fun!" My response, "Too bad I know all the groomsmen already." And so without any expectations to meet the love of my life, I got dolled up for myself to enjoy the celebration of Jeff and Meredith!

I was unprepared for the second half of the weekend: a low key time with a chaval I befriended while studying abroad in Madrid. Though we are thankful for the efficiency of cell phones and voice mail, already two years had passed since our last reunion in the frigidness of Wisconsin. A little anxious and a little nervous, I awaited for Jack's arrival on Sunday afternoon. Some people get clammy hands, other pace the hallways, and still others blast music... I found myself in a rocking chair, as if pilferring time since I was elusive to whether I actually wanted time to speed up or for it to stop all together. Near 3pm he towered over me at his 6 feet 3 inches and with his gentle smile, basking excitement and joy toward me. He looked good - healthy and rested. Do not so hastily lambast me in your own mind when I brazenly admit that his most recent gain of 15 pounds of solid muscles looked good. ha! With the sun long into bed, conversation would not cease. Only a dedicated and precious friend would drive 3 hours here and 3 hours back in the same day to pass a few memorable hours with yours truly!