I should probably write a bit about Tanya's wedding, since it occured during my two weeks offline and was something of a significant event, not the least for Tanya and Chris. Anyway, it was a fun time out in Sarnia/Petrolia with Tanya putting us bridesmaids to work. Particular highlights included the rehersal dinner hosted by the groom's mother and friend - chicken cordon bleu for 35 or so is a lot of chicken ! It was a very nice, informal way to meet the different sides of the family and to bond. I especially enjoyed bonding with the junior bridesmaid, Alex, who absolutely reminds me of me when I was her age (nine).

Of course, the wedding reception was pretty terrific, too. The musicians (at the ceremony as well) were excellent, which isn't a surprise considering Chris' musical life, in particular, the swing band who played through the evening. Hearing Chris play the trumpet with them during their second set was really neat, as I've never actually had the chance to see him perform. He's good. It was hard to dance, though, because someone's bright idea was to put the bridesmaids in skirts with sweep trains, which we (or others) were perpetually stepping on.

The hairdressers were wonderful, but every bit of the small-town stereotype: tight pants/leggings, heavily dyed hair, thirty-something women with practically grown-up children. They were really nice, though, and they did a great job. I had my hair pulled back in a sweep with a side part, with the hair falling loosely in curls down the back. It looked really pretty and fresh. Also, the photographers were really good ! Aside from the gazillion locations at which we were photographed, the sand in my stockings from the beach shoot (which allowed for the 20 year old limo driver to get a special treat when I had to roll them down to empty them), the pictures looked really great. Falling out of the limo on the beach kind of sucked, though. Again, stupid sweep train.

I made some new friends, too. Tanya's old friends Craig and Michelle, who were kind enough to drive me there and back, were generous and fun and I totally love Chris' parents and neice. Also, I bonded with the other two bridesmaids despite some very different roots and lifestyles.

There will be further entries concerning other things as I get the time to write them.

That said, I will add RIGHT NOW that I am working my LAST DAY at the ROM. And, I am currently sporting a livid magenta feather boa. Once, a long time ago, I promised a co-worker who then worked with me in Membership, that on my last day, I would wear a hot pink boa. I couldn't find one in hot pink, but this is close enough and it clashes marvellously with my orange shirt. I rock.