Resonant Constellation

This summer, the first of my many travels is a trip to western Massachusetts for the wedding of my dear friends, Pete and Sarah. I shall travel back to Tucson via Albuquerque, driving my own, brand new car back.

DAY 0: TRAVEL 6/16/2010
6:33 PM (TX), 4:33 PM (AZ)

“I don’t drive Dodge Pickups because I don’t like the way they sit, just the same like I don’t shoot Glocks, because I don’t like the way they feel.” -Overheard in Dallas/Fort Worth Airport.

Welcome to Texas. I’m sort-of here by accident (at least, that’s what I think you’d call it, I’d never deliberately come to Texas if given a choice), I’ve got a two and a half hour layover before moving on to a Hartford, then Northampton. This stay holds the dubious honor of being the longest time I’ve ever spent in Texas, utterly shattering the previous 15 minute record as I rushed through this very same airport to make a late connection several years ago.

I sincerely hope I never have cause to further break my record in the future. While riding the airport train (which I rode expertly thanks to my years of experience bus-surfing on the Tucson public transit system), I noticed only one outstanding geographical feature of the Dallas/Fort Worth area; the horizon. I don’t think I could ever live somewhere like this, I would go insane. Even more so than I already have.

The flight over was nice, or at least I assume so, having slept through roughly 93% of it (93.3 repeating % to be exact). According to the lady sitting next to me, I didn’t snore, which I suppose is a good thing. This is actually the most sleep I’ve gotten on a flight since I flew to Australia, when I managed a full, refreshing 8 hours. I sincerely doubt I’ll ever break that record, but I’d sure like to try.

I said my farewells to my friends, bound for the same destination via different routes this morning in Arizona just before we all went our separate ways. I’ll next see them at the rehearsal dinner on Friday, then at the main event on Saturday. In the meantime, I’ll be staying with Pete, Sarah, and the rest of the wedding party at the Kinner’s lake house near Northampton in Goshen, MA. After the wedding, the rest of us are going to move to a hotel closer to Boston and stay a few days to have fun. I am, however, most looking forward to driving my car home from Albuquerque on the return trip-it should be most exciting.

That seems to be all for now, more on the story as it develops.

NOTE: Apparently they don’t know what a burrito is here, they put lettuce and tomato in mine, like a sandwich. A burrito is a fine art form, something which I have spent years studying and perfecting for mine own taste budules. What I’m trying to say is I know burritos, and this, friends, is no burrito.

That is all.

LJS-6/16/2010: 6:50 PM (TX), 7:50 PM (MA)

2:30 AM (MA)

Just arrived at the cabin after a mysterious and foggy drive through western Massachusetts. It seems to be a rather nice place, but I’ll likely have more to say in the morning. Now, I’m just exhausted.

LJS-6/17/2010: 2:30 AM (MA)

DAY 1: LAKE HOUSE 6/17/2010
11:13 PM (MA)

Today was a quiet day. Pete and I went to the airport to pick up Rick, the best man, and his girlfriend, Cameron (not to be confused with Cameron, the husband Kim, one of the Bridesmaids). After dropping them off at their hotel so that they could get a little rest, we went to a quick lunch and back to the lake house.

When we returned, the party was already getting started a few hours early. I spent my time getting to know some of the parents, relatives, and significant others of the wedding party. We later had dinner, with the ‘kids’ (read: anybody under 40) out on the patio by the lake, and the ‘adults’ (those who were not under the previously mentioned age limit) inside. It was a beautiful day, and us young ‘uns decided to go for a short walk out to the dam at the head of the lake. It was a nice scenic walk along a short dirt road, and upon arrival we found a large snapping turtle trying to climb up the spillway. Cameron (Kim’s Cameron, this is) picked up the turtle and helped it along. With that good deed done, we headed back while the sun set.

The lake house (or Camp, as the Kinners refer to it) is situated in a typical US northeast forest with intensely green foliage. Pete, having been up here about a week believes that the green receptors in his eyes have been burnt out, and I’m starting to go that way myself. I’m so used to the dust and red colors of the southwest that this intense foliage is quite shocking.

After all of the parents and relatives left, we watched the final game of the NBA championships. It was a close game, and nerve wracking, and even though I was deep in enemy territory, I agreed with the Celtics fans that the officiating in the NBA is simply atrocious, and is becoming rather off-putting. At least the Lakers won. I stayed up with Pete to wait for the last people to arrive, Pete’s sister, Laura, her boyfriend Chris, and the final groomsman, Greg. They got in late, and we went to bed quickly.

LJS-6/17/2010: 11:45 PM (MA)

DAY 2: Rehearsal 6/18/2010
1:30 AM (MA)

I woke up late this morning, missing the World Cup match, but apparently we didn’t loose, so that’s good. Due to collective anxiety and bad planning, the female half of the wedding party was extremely anxious to get the male half out of the lake house and to the hotel. We, of course, seeing the futility of argument, agreed, and proceeded to the Kinner’s house where the women had left laundry for us to collect. We then proceeded to the hotel, checked into our rooms, and ironed our clothes in preparation for the rehearsal. As expected, we had about an hour and a half of extra time at the hotel, so leaving early had not been necessary.

Around 4:15 we all met in the lobby, dressed in jackets and ties. All of us groomsmen had been told not to wear ties, and we each independently decided to ignore this. I suppose we all have good taste. We then went to the chapel on Sarah’s old high school campus, met the reverend, and rehearsed. It was, in fact, far less intensive than I expected, and we were done early. We all proceeded to the rehearsal dinner, where the social hour had already begun. It was good to see my friends from Tucson again, and to see Mark and Jenna-Lee, some more friends from Tucson who I hadn’t known were coming. Most of us were at the same table, though Chris and Rita were separated for lack of seating. The dinner was great, and afterwards, Pete’s parents gave some wonderful heartfelt speeches and showed us an amusing slide-show of the pictures of the happy couple from their early days until now. Sarah and Pete were also asked to say a few words, and made the bridesmaids and groomsmen stand for introductions. Afterwards, Sarah relayed to me that she was quite glad they had been asked to speak after the alcohol had been flowing for a while.

Upon conclusion of festivities, we all headed back to our hotel with the Groom’s family and stayed up late in the bar talking and drinking. Now it’s about time for me to get to bed, as I’m rather tired and have an even longer day tomorrow.

LJS-6/19/2010:1:43 AM (MA)

DAY 3: The Main Event 6/19/2010
11:45 PM (MA)

There was only one hitch today, and thankfully, it was the scheduled one. That is to say; Pete and Sarah are married! The day began quietly for me at 6:30 AM, and finding I couldn’t get back to sleep, I showered, dressed, and went down to breakfast by 8. I was the only one in the breakfast area, and enjoyed about a half hour of the world cup before people started arriving. I texted Pete to make sure he would wake up (he has been known to sleep late from time to time). His reply stated that he’d be down in a minute. Being Pete, of course, he barely made it down in time for breakfast an hour and a half later.

Greg and I re-dressed in our room and ate a quick lunch before rendezvousing with everybody else downstairs. The groomsmen all decided to ride in Greg’s rented convertible Mustang with the top down and loud music blaring. It was very likely the coolest I have ever looked. Sports cars and tuxes will do that.

We soon arrived at Sarah’s grandmother’s house for photos, and almost ran into a spot of bad luck when Pete’s car passed by where Sarah was having her photos taken (just down the street at her parents’ house). There was an amusing moment when Sarah had to hide behind a car in the driveway while Pete drove by, distracted by Cameron on the other side of the street, and disaster was averted. We took various photos for about an hour, then boarded our classic (when I say classic, I mean 1920s and 30s) cars bound for the chapel. I rode with Rick in a black 1929 Model A Ford which couldn’t downshift. Fun times.

At the chapel, the groomsmen prepared programs for the guests and escorted them down the aisle to their seats. As the appointed time drew nearer, I grew nervous; the Tucson group had not yet shown up. Aside from this, it was a beautiful, cloudless day, the first we had had since arriving. This also meant it was rather hot, and I was soon sweating like a stuck pig. The Tucson gang arrived just before Sarah made her grand entrance, and the ceremony was blessedly short. Words were said, rings were exchanged, and more than a few tears were cried in the audience. We all followed them outside for congratulations and more than a few hugs.

Pete and Sarah then took one of the old cars, and the rest of the wedding party followed in the rest of the old cars, making a rather strange convoy of late 1920s vehicles mixed in with modern behemoths. Upon arriving at the reception location, we were all whisked away for more pictures in a pretty little hollow next to an artificial lake with a fountain. I commented that Sarah’s dress had some pretty awesome spiral motifs going on, which she had apparently wanted because of their mathematical associations. If there ever was any doubt, it should be erased-a mathematically inspired wedding dress is pretty awesome, and Sarah is perfect for Pete (and vice-versa, I might add).

We finally got inside after the pictures to a blessedly cool antechamber reserved for the wedding party. We drank quite a few glasses of water and ate a lot of appetizers, making small talk and relaying congratulations to the happy couple. We were then announced by the DJ and entered the dinner hall. Dinner was served, wine flowed, conversation was lively. It was soon time for the cake cutting, the first dance, and the general dancing. I can’t speak for them, but Sarah and Pete looked absolutely thrilled. I made a toast to the table for the happy couple that went something like this:
 Sarah, Pete, you two are great together, it seems like you’ve always been together, and I hope you always will be. I just wanted to say a few words that I thought appropriate for this moment; You’re no strangers to love-Sarah, you know the rules, and hopefully so does Pete. The kind of commitment you’ve made is special, and you couldn’t get it from any other guy. I just want to tell you how I’m feeling, to help you understand; Sarah-never give him up. Pete; never let her down.

And so, my goal of rickrolling Pete at his own wedding was achieved.
 The dance floor was quite lively, and we even got Rita dancing, despite the fact that she is rhythmically challenged. I broke out my best dance moves; the monkey, the robot, and the wave. I think I either impressed some people, or at least made them laugh. I’m fine with either. By the point the conga line started its third lap, Greg and I decided it was the moment we had been waiting for all day-the removal of vest and tie moment. It was glorious. We all went outside for a last set of pictures, and to wish the couple off in their decoration bedecked car. We all left soon thereafter, to my hotel room to change, then to our new hotel in Tewksbury/Andover. I’m really tired.

LJS-6/19/2010 12:15 AM (MA)

DAY 4: Boston Day 1 6/20/2010
11:30 PM (MA)

Another busy day. At the hotel, we surfed the web and found some Red Sox tickets for their last home game of the season. We were a little disappointed that they were standing room only, but we decided to try it anyway. We started out looking for a Denny’s for breakfast, but the one google maps had directed us to had turned into a “99”, a local place. We decided to have lunch there instead of breakfast, and Alex and I both had a Sam Adams (the first of MANY today, though we didn’t know that at the time). We then drove to a T stop and rode into the city. A very nice local resident named Brian helped us find the U.S.S. Constitution, which we boarded. The last time I was in Boston, it was closed for renovation, and this time it was open, but still under renovation. I should come back when it’s fully restored, because it looks awesome. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to board the WWII destroyer Cassin Young, as they closed just before we were going to board.

It looked like rain, and distant thunder, which boded ill for the game later, so we sheltered in an ice cream shop near the Constitution dockyard. It just so happens that I had visited the exact same ice cream shop the last time I had been in Boston, also sheltering from rain. We then walked across the Charles past TD Garden, the home of the Celtics. I had a good triumphant laugh at the giant NBA championships posters on the walls, but tried not to be too obvious. This is just about as deep as you can get into enemy territory.

We jumped back on the T to Fenway and found a shady-looking back alley bar (which turned out not to be shady at all, but an excellent choice). Teresa and Nolan didn’t want to come to the game, so they visited the movies while we drank several buckets of beer. By the time we left to go to the game, we were extremely happy.

Standing room only wasn’t so bad, especially when we had quite a few beers in us. We all got hot dogs and root-root-rooted for the home team, who made a rather good showing, shutting out the Dodgers 2-0. The two guys sitting directly in front of us were relatively pleasant locals, and we joked and talked with them the whole game. Yet more beer was consumed.

We met T and Nolan after the game and went back to our hotel, though Chris, Rita, T, Nolan and I all went out for food in order to give Alex and Ayla some alone time. Upon return, we all collapsed. It was a good day.

LJS-6/20/2010 12:09 AM (MA)

DAY 5: Boston Day 2 6/21/2010
10:45 PM (MA)

We found an IHOP today for breakfast/lunch, then drove into Boston to find the Sam Adams Brewery. After some slight confusion, we realized we were in the correct parking lot and went in. The tour was free, with all contributions donated to various local causes. The free tour also gave out free tasting glasses and even better, the best two-word phrase in the english language: FREE BEER. This included a beer that you cannot get outside of Boston, the Boston Brick-Red. I was excited. I also brought back several…souvenirs. Mostly liquid. I had to check my bag anyway, so I figured why not.

We then dropped Alex off to go to the airport, and headed to Boston Common. We wandered for a while, visiting the Granary Cemetery where Paul Revere is buried, and generally enjoyed the park. Chris and I were a little sad that the statues and monuments had copious amounts of graffiti on them. It seems a bit disrespectful.

We then heard that Alex’s flight was cancelled because of hurricane force winds in the Chicago area, so we waited to pick him up, then headed back north to find a seafood dinner near the coast. Chris got us extremely lost by ignoring my continual urges that we had somehow gone off the map, but we eventually found ourselves again (exactly where I thought we were, it so happens), and set out to look for food.

We stopped in Salem, and through a little exploring, we found a place called Finz. Three of the party left to go to a different restaurant, but Chris, Rita, Nolan and I all stayed. Chris had the lobster, and was happy. I had the fillet with a bacon-onion compote glaze, and was extremely content. It was an expensive meal for all of us, what with entrees, chowder, and desert, but it was well worth it-our last night on the east coast. Our meal was so good, we pitied those who had left. Chris surprised Ayla with a lobster claw upon our reunion. She had had enough beer that the effect was quite diminished. Chris, being Chris, decided to also eat a piece of pizza. His appetite is unbelievable.

Back to the hotel again for packing and one last night.

LJS-6/21/2010 11:02 PM (MA)

DAY 6: Travel 6/22/2010
5:35 PM (Washington D.C.)

Chris and I awoke earlier than everybody else, and left quickly, because our flights are earlier. We made our way to Bradley, where he dropped me off at a Japanese restaurant to meet with my Uncle, Aunt, and Cousin, who live in Hartford. We had a great lunch, and it was really nice to see them after 3-4 years. We all concluded that it would be nice to have a sort-of family reunion out west somewhere. I hope we all follow up on that, I’d like to see my relatives more often.

Uncle Bob then dropped me off at the airport, and I boarded my flight with a minimum of fuss. My sinuses had been acting up all day, so when my ears began doing so on the flight, I was not surprised. I’m now in the Washington-Dulles airport for my first visit to the nation’s capitol. I have a two-hour layover, even though I’m not changing flights (or, if I understand correctly), even planes. Oh well, whatever, it gives me time to catch up here.

LJS-6/22/2010 5:43 PM (D.C.)

Update-6:03 PM (NM)

My flight was delayed by 20 minutes, and I was a little bit annoyed-it’s been a long trip, and I’d like to get home as soon as possible. However, my brief annoyance was alleviated by a funny coincidence. As I was waiting in line to board the plane, I spotted a head of firey red hair which topped a young man in a metal band t-shirt. It was, of course, Nolan, accompanied by Teresa and Rita. Apparently their flight had landed not too long vefore, and they were looking for bathrooms. We shared a few surprised greetings, then I properly bid them all adieu, something I had hoped to do this morning, but didn’t get a chance to do. I saw them again as they were heading back to their gate just as I got on my plane. What a nice little bookend to the trip-seeing my friends off at the airport in the beginning and at the end.

LJS-6/22/2010 6:10 PM (NM)