Love & Relationships Part I

Yesterday, I stumbled out of bed into a living room full of curling irons, mimosas, make-up and excitement. It was wedding day on Girard Avenue, and the bride and bridal party were up bright and early organizing and beautifying in preparation for the afternoon/evening festivities.

Everything went amazingly. It was SO FUN. I wish I were still at the reception now. It was a night I never wanted to end.

Alas, like all good things, the night did end. Consequently, I am no longer at the reception, but in a living room devoid of curling irons and cinnamon roles, and Anna no longer lives upstairs but in Fargo. This blunt reality has inspired me to stop rambling about wedding bliss and instead express my relational frustrations. Hey, it's my blog and I can say what I want to.

So here I go.

I don't understand how people actually find each other. How does it happen? There are like, a million, hurdles that have to be overcome for two people to fall in love and get married. Here is a short list:

- First, you have to find someone they actually like/love

- Then, that person has to like you back

- Then, someone has to 'make a move' so to speak

- From here, and actual relationship can ensue, if you actually have

- the same values, and

- it's the right time, and

- the desire for the same things out of life

- are in the same place

- good communication skills

- YADA YADA

- Finally, you can get married. Whew.

See. There are a lot of difficult steps in this dating/marriage process. I gave up dating about.... uh, two years ago now because I can't handle any more relationships ending at step one, two or three. Ok I didn't really give up dating, I just haven't dated. Same difference. It is frustrating, and disappointing.

I guess my frustration and disappointment isn't all that bad though, for it's made me realize that love - real love that actually works - really is a miracle. I am not trying to be cheesy, but it's true. Love has to be a miracle, because there is just so much standing in its way. It doesn't really flow with the whole 'survival of the fittest' theory. Love should have died out with Lucy (oldest human-type found in Africa) if that were the case. But it didn't, because some people still get married, and have good marriages.

I'm definitely happy right now and far from desperate, but who knows, maybe someday, I'll actually be in one of those relationships that are good for you and work out. Ha. Well, anything is possible - I've been to too many weddings lately to not believe in miracles.

Worst Proposals Ever

A very bad proposal was recently brought to my attention in preparation for what turned out to be a very beautiful wedding. We were discussing proposal stories during "bridesmaid prep" time (because, minus four girl, EVERY person there over 23 was married! ugh.) and one person told a story about her friend.

Apparently, the guy proposing was so nervous that he woke the girl up at 6:o0 a.m. and as she was rubbing her eyes to clarify her mind and sight he shoves a ring in front of her face and asks if she'd marry him. She said yes. I would pretended like I was sleepwalking or that I couldn't wake up. As soon as he left, I would call his best friend and tell him to talk to my potential fiance about picking a better proposal. Sheesh.

Another story:

My friends once came home from a basketball game and told the story of one of those jumbotron proposals gone wrong. So you all know the scene, Kriss Kross starts playing on the loudspeakers and zzzooooommm the jumbotron focuses in on a lucky couple. The women smiles and waves thinking it's just another of those "kiss-tron" things. However, as she turns to kiss her "lover," he gets down on one knee and proposes. Well, at this particular game, instead of a joyous "yes!" and an excited hug, the girl runs away in horror after her boyfriend proposes. Leaving everyone in the entire stadium feeling really awkward. Now that is a bad proposal for this poor jumbotron guy. I think this is an example of why jumbotron proposals should not be permitted. That and their abundant cheese factor.

Anyone heard of any other horrible proposals?? Do tell. I will revel in the fact that even if I am single - those proposals did not happen to me.... ;)

Editors note: I am blogging live from Seattle and I seriously love this city. Man.