There And Back Again

A weekend jaunt to Minneapolis left me and my friend Rory with some memorable stories. To wit:

1.) A mere third of the six-hour drive completed, our tiny rental car died on the side of the highway, its automatic theft prevention system having automatically turned the car off. For no reason. Several hours later we were back on the road in the only replacement available: an enormous gas-guzzling Dodge Ram truck. My best friend Megan and her fiance were quite surprised to see us pull up in our hulking black behemoth.

2.) On the way home I awoke at 2 a.m. in an unfamiliar city. "Is this Madison?" I asked Rory, Madison being en route to Chicago. "Now, don't be angry," he responded, "but it's actually Milwaukee." He'd accidentally stayed on the wrong highway, taking us an hour further east. But as all roads lead to Chicago we still made it home on schedule: 3 a.m.

Why the late arrival? We'd purposely stayed to see Rory's friend Rik Reppe perform a one-man benefit show about New Orleans. As Rory is heavily involved in the theatre world, I trusted his judgement regarding Rik's acting abilities. But even Rory's glowing recommendation didn't prepare me for some of the finest acting I've seen (and yes, I once saw Kenneth Branagh perform in London). If Rik ever comes to Chicago, rest assured I'll be in attendance.

Finally, I'll leave you with several photos of me and Megan, whose impending marriage in eight months made for endless discussions during our weekend. Back in high school I always figured we'd get married and have kids around the same time (how else would our children grow up being friends?). Yet although Megan's surpassed me on several fronts, I can honestly say I don't mind. (Well, most of the time.) I've felt included in their wedding from the very moment of their engagement, and as the Maid of Honor, I can hardly wait to plan the bachelorette party!

Best friends for over 10 years now, Megan and I have dozens of self portraits that look much like this. Although usually I'm not wearing a bridal tiara.

It's going to be a spectacular wedding when Megan and Joel get married next June in the Minneapolis Basilica. I suspect it will be the grandest ceremony I ever go to (provided I don't meet anyone who lives in a castle or palace, which I have great hopes of doing someday).