Wow. Five years. Who said it wouldn’t last? Probably nobody, including my parents, since I think we made the right move by waiting until we were older. Somara and I are both the oldest child in our immediate families which makes us the guinea pigs for our parents; they usually get it “right” with the following offspring. Not that we would’ve gone through previous spouses, I think being the oldest can make one more cautious, almost to the point of reluctant or having avoidance problems. Those were my concerns after 1991 when Carrie and I split followed up with a seven-year dry spell in having an “official” girlfriend; there were dates, just no lasting relationships or what I call repeat business.
Well on this evening in a huge Mirage suite, Somara and I were married via a civil ceremony recognized by the whole world, not just the state of Nevada. Her parents Carolyn and Tom, her brother Aaron, her sister-in-law Anje, my friends Nelson, Tammy, Jose and Ethan attended. My (future) nephews Hunter and Wyatt were with their maternal grandparents since they were little; this would’ve bored them. Somara’s sister Yvette couldn’t attend due to a last-minute emergency with her daughter. My brother Brian and his family couldn’t be there either. We decided to get married in May which didn’t give him much time to prepare and they had other plans. Other close friends were in the same predicament, especially the ones with children. I figured as much. My parents were the biggest disappointment yet their boycott didn’t surprise me. I consider myself lucky though. A guy I knew in college had a similar problem but there were cops posted outside the church to keep his out if they decided to appear and make a scene. Don’t worry though. I was upset for about a day and got over their Catholic fatwa. All I have to say in the matter now is they missed out on a great time and two free meals in Las Vegas.
The original plan for 2008 was to return to the “scene of the crime” and get married again or have a renewal ceremony for all of those who missed out. Why? I attended some other friends’ weddings so I owe them free booze along with a good time. What better place than the R-rated Disneyland! This was scrapped quickly in January due to Somara’s surgery matters. Again, this isn’t a sympathy fishing expedition. It all worked out thanks to my financial agility, Somara’s cooperation and a tad of luck. Imagine how much better we’ll be doing when our delayed Economic Hail Mary from the IRS finally arrives. Maybe I’ll pitch the second wedding again because my Golden Fleece is to get the Silders, the Masinellis, the Lowrys (both sets would be great), any Maggis (namely Brian, Linda, Nick and Anna), the Giraudets (or should it be les Giraudets?) and Steve with Chance to come out. We attended their weddings, it’s only fair. Ethan came before yet why should Kelly be deprived of the fun? Jose, Nancy, Tammy and Nelson are obviously welcome again too. There are plenty of other friends too so I apologize if you were omitted.
Now number five’s gift…wood. LAME! Unless it were a pinewood derby kit from the BSA, I think our decision to get a pair of new iPhones (with the 3G) was cooler. Maybe I’ll get a case with faux wood paneling and it’ll look like a miniature station wagon…pass.