I’m not going back this time, kids.
I’ve recently returned from a beautiful wedding (August 16th), and a beautiful late honeymoon (three days ago), although maybe the term “elopement” would be more apt for the wedding part. The whole wedding planning thing was far too stressful for the both of us, pushing the fun parts of the whole event to some steep edge where they were likely to fall off.
Come to think of it, the word ‘honeymoon’ could use some work as well—often inferring temporary bliss, giving the scenery beyond a view similar to hibernation, one that’s static yet dull and draining. (Add to Wikipedia: Unlike other animals, the human species experiences post-marital hibernation, save for anniversaries, birthdays maybe, and the holiday season.)
Being fully in love with, married to, and integrated with Noelle and her life has seemingly transported me into a large infinite ocean, unaware that I was once carried here from a murky rocky stream. It feels great. Have you ever had this feeling? It’s remarkable. It’s freeing. My life has been dramatically changing in a beautiful way this past year, like I’d been lying belly-down on soft shag carpeting for 27 years and finally decided to turn around and look up at the ceiling and what might be above it, beyond it, inside of it. Being with someone I love and trust has helped to tone down my neurotic proclivities, as well. I feel independent and eye-sparkle happy and full of love and my old worrying self can bite me.
But then you ask, patiently, So life is great and yes, yes, but what was the wedding like?
And then I say yeah. I say that’s a pretty good question.
The wedding was one of the least stressful events of my life. And that’s saying a lot. Even going to work (or to the park even) surely involves some level of stress, and this wedding was far less taxing on the mind than even those activities. It was also one of the happiest, gently affirming, quietly beautiful times of my life. It took place in my friend Janne’s garden of a backyard in the bright, bright sun. (As in, I-hope-you-like-sweat-sun, but the heat wasn’t a detractor from bliss.)
Due to the private nature of the thing there were no family or friends (aside from the two witnesses and Janne) to be seen, but Janne gave a wonderful blessing to us, which extended to those people with us, those we know, and outward and outward until everyone was blessed. It felt good.
And the honeymoon? You ask.
Yeah, I’m getting to that.
We went to Loews Hotel in Coronado Bay, for reasons that made sense: Discount at Loews; other hotels of theirs already booked. And let me tell you: it was quite lovely on many fronts. For example, the man at the front desk didn’t have our room ready, or our discount card, so he upgraded us to a suite overlooking the bay:
The whole extended hotel stay was a robust montage of rich life, rich folk. We lounged by pools, drank delicious drinks, and everything was almost perfect. But then, you see, there was one strange occurrence that I can honestly say frightened me. Shocked me to the core.
One night we came into our room and heard loud music. The back patio door, which we’d locked, was wide open.
“All the leaves are brown/and the sky is grey…”
What. The hell.
We looked on the dresser and found a new item: a random cup with a spoon in it.
Who’s here.
And then: A bottle of champagne, two glasses, and a cheese plate.
Oh. Wait. What? Did they get the wrong room?
Then the pieces fell together.
Apparently it was a special gift from Loews to us (“complimentary”, of course, never say “free” in their world). Maybe it’s just me, but seeing the hotel back door wide open, items we didn’t know we’d be getting (without an explanatory note), and worst of all, California Dreamin’ on repeat, makes me think horror, death, murder. The Hotel Serial Killer, waiting for us. The Hotel Patrick Bateman, if you will: slicing up victims over champagne and California Girl.
But I digress. The honeymoon was simply awesome.
WTF?! What about games, you dick? You haven’t written in ages and now you’re not even writing about games and I’m feeling neglected, hurt: like you’ve never really been there for me.
So very true! And I apologize. I didn’t do much gaming this past week, although I found a rather peculiar oddity in the hotel “game room.” I’ll write about it in full tomorrow. Check back soon! It may change the face of gaming forever. “May” being the operative word, of course.
Anyway.
I’ve realized that being with someone awesome can help me be more me, more independent. At least, that’s my case with Noelle. It’s weird, I never would’ve expected it, but being with someone you love and trust gives you more space in the end. And best of all, love is continuously surrounding me, emitting from me, and making me very, very happy.
Yours,
Austin. (<– love fan.)
So apparently September wasn’t the month for blogging so much as lounging sweetly about in hotel rooms with the one you love. Fair trade.
Great to hear it. Although I only spent a relatively small amount of time with you, I consider you and Noelle two of my very favorite people. Really. Glad the wedding was blissful. The picture is fantastic. I miss you guys. Take care and congrats!!
I knew you’d eventually get married. Best wishes! It’s wonderful to know you found a life partner with whom you can share this crazy world.
I am really surprised you didn’t have your mother, brother, or your friends there.
Jessica
Thanks, guys!
Jessica: I know, but the wedding thing was stressful, and it was kinda everybody or nobody. We’re planning on doing some sort of anniversary/party thing in a year, though! (With people invited.)
HEY BUDDY, CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU BOTH!
Best wishes from your old Ry.
xo