Quality Over Quantity ...

So I just came off one of the busiest weekends of my life and it wasn't even anything to do with me! I am surely not complaining because while I got to be a part of my best friend's incredible wedding, I had an amazing time.

While final arrangements were being made, Sarah started off the festivities with all of her b-maids (that's bridesmaids for anyone that couldn't quite figure that out) at Allure on Thursday. The b-maids were as follows:

Liz Suits
Jennifer Powell
Moi
Ashley Lord
Destini Dexter

We had a spa day getting manicures & pedicures and catching up since some of us hadn't seen each other in years. I actually had the laptop out, working, while everyone else was chatting up a storm, although I did manage to pop in and out of a few conversations. After we were beautified we headed out for a final fitting of our dresses. This is probably where - had I been Sarah - I would have freaked out. All of our dresses needed alterations and we were heading out of town the next day at noon. She kept her cool and no Diva attitude came a-flyin'. Following our fittings, we scurried off to meet up with a few other girls to gather for Sarah's Bachelorette evening. So begins the next chapter ...

We started off at Liz's house to pass out favors and dress Sarah in the ridiculous and flamboyant attire that any bride should have to wear on her Bachelorette evening. We started with dinner at The Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, FL. Sarah had never been and expressed interest in going so we made it happen. There were nine of us girls total. After a few pitchers of their infamous Sangria, a smorgasbord of food and even a few desserts we headed over to Channelside for some bowling shenanigans at Splittsville. We laughed and drank (bowls) our way through each set, often taking breaks for photo ops. I'm pretty sure we intimidated the lane of guys next to us. Since our group consisted of mostly Mothers and work-a-holics we were all exhausted by midnight and headed out after a short stop at Howl at the Moon and several failed attempts to get Sarah to the Dollhouse. Besides, the next few days would be hell ...

On Friday morning I had to head back to Tampa for a hair appointment. (Side note: To make a long story short, my stylist flew the coup and left me without a hair trim and touch-up so thank goodness for the owner of the salon that would be doing our hair for the wedding taking Sarah and I in (literally) at the last minute). My appointment ran long and after a quick stop to Urban Outfitters for a dress I headed back to Lakeland to pack my bags ONLY to have to turn right back around and fight the traffic to Clearwater. I had to be at rehearsal and 4:45 pm and at that very time I was still stuck on 275 near downtown Tampa going 5 miles an hour. It was like living in LA all over again, except only half the lanes. I booked it across the Courtney Campbell and made it just in time to do a few walk-thrus. I met my wedding partner and after a few jealous remarks from the girls we got in line to walk the walk. After the rehearsal we headed back into Tampa to Maggiano's for the rehearsal dinner where I sat with the 'loud people'. Sarah was sure to seat all of the possible offenders together in the corner at one table. She was probably right in doing so since our table conversations consisted of everything from sex to heritage. No topic was out of reach and I am willing to bet we covered all the bases. The wine probably didn't help either. It was basically Jenn and I with all of Chris' (the groom) co-workers. I realized at that dinner that five years of French did me no good and that Spanish should have been my language of choice to learn in school, but I think I caught on to how to say a few curse words en espanol. After dinner we said our goodbyes to our new friends and headed to Safety Harbor where our suite overlooking the water awaited us. Now, when you've known people for years and years, modesty kinda gets thrown out of the window. Whereas I am typically a modest person, when you have 5 girls in a room and you need to shower - you do what you got to do. I think at one point there was one in the bath tub, one in the shower, one at the toilet, one at the sink and one in the other bathroom brushing their teeth. No two bodies alike either. But that kind of comfort is something that doesn't come along very often. After the baths, showers, face-washings, teethbrushing and pottying, we set up shop in our insanely comfortable beds. Destini and I shared while Sarah & Jenn got the other and Ashley camped out on the bed in the other room. Our heads hit those down pillows and we were out like an anorexic in a cannonball contest ...

Saturday morning came all too quick. I was so anxious I may have gotten 3 hours of sleep. Apparently that was the trend for everyone else as well seeing as how Me, Destini, Sarah and Jenn all snuggled up into one bed just before 5 AM to reminisce and look to the future for about 3 hours. I think even a few pictures were taken so heaven forbid those make an appearance on a public website. We ordered room service and after our bellys were full we packed out wedding day bags so that once hair and makeup was done we'd be off to the Kapok. Hair & Makeup, along with our photographers showed up just before 10 AM. Flashes were flying and bobby pins being shoved into our heads. Somehow Elena even managed to make my short hair look like I had hair in an up-do. I was informed that one of the photographers was crushing on me a little bit and I didn't notice until he started snapping shots of me sitting there LISTENING to the bride who was sitting right across from me. The main photographer's name was Phillip, but I was insistent on calling him Patrick, which thankfully he was cool with because he just did not look like a Phillip. Besides, what I say goes - okay maybe not this particular weekend, but that's the norm! After numerous shots of before and afters we loaded up and headed out to the venue.

The Kapok Tree is located in Clearwater, FL hidden away behind a Sam Ash building. This place is reminiscent of the Grand Ballroom from the Titanic. The gardens are donned with marble cherub statues, aquamarine blue fountains and greenery that could easily compare to one of the lower gardens at The Biltmore. The place is incredible and that is just the courtyard. Inside was a spectacle. The Cocktail Hour room reminded me of a 1950's Gentlemans' Club found in Manhattan, with crush velvet walls and wooden furniture. The room that doubled as the Ceremony room and the Dessert room (yes there was a room with nothing but desserts) was softly lit by a magnificent chandelier and the decor was in white and gold with large white pillars and more marble cherubs. The dining / reception hall was laid out below ceiling to floor glass windows overlooking the back gardens. The tables so elegantly detailed with gold and white. You look behind to see a cascading grand staircase coming down from both sides of the upper balcony. It was incredible.

We got to the Kapok around 2:30 and hurried into our dresses. We headed downstairs to take pictures and do some last-minute walk throughs. Jenn and I took it upon ourselves to give the ceremony room a once-over and thank goodness we did. We did a little rearranging and made things look beyond perfect (go us). After we finished pictures, we played Who Wants to Be a Millionaire on Lori's phone and just sat back and relaxed before we had to head down to the aisle. Sarah looked beautiful. Honest to God, she was a Princess. I powdered Jenn's thighs, made some last minute makeup touchups and sanitized Destini's lip gloss that I gave her (long story, but a funny one). We hooked up with our male escorts (not in the literal sense) and made our way down the aisle. Before Sarah even made it 3 feet down the aisle Jenn and I's waterworks began. Enter Niagara Falls. Everything was just so beautiful and smooth that we were overcome with happiness and appreciation to be a part of Sarah's day.

The ceremony lasted all of 15 minutes - just as Sarah had promised. We headed out only to come back in after the guests had made their way to Cocktail Hour to take more pictures. After pictures, the wedding party were directed upstairs away from the food (we were all starving) and drinks to wait around until everyone was seated at their tables so that we could make our grand entrance down the staircase. When the time came, I was just so famished that I may have forgotten to smile at the photographer(s) and videographer when we reached the bottom. At least I had a handsome partner - who by the way I gave hell to the entire weekend. Poor guy. He was so darn adorable too. Anyway, he was fine because every single woman (and even the taken ones) were throwing themselves at him at the reception - which made for great conversation later that night and at work on Monday. A guy who strongly resembled Seth MacFarlane sang and danced to the famed "Be Our Guest" (from Beauty & The Beast) and the first course began. Sarah danced with Chris to Lifehouse's "You And Me" and then followed with the Father / Daughter dance to "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart. The meal was fantastic, even though the price per plate still chokes me up. By the time I had made my way around the room talking to everyone it was time to head into the dessert room and up to the Casino upstairs. The cake was MMMMazing, just like everything else. Last call came before I had even had a chance to make first call. Although I did make it up to the bar twice to get some drinks for Jenn and Ayden (who btw is also ADORABLE and the future surrogate father to my unborn child if I can help it - ha) and the bartender totally hit on me. Had I known that I'd end up stag the rest of the evening I would have made better conversation with him because he was pretty darn charming. Anyway, I gambled and got up to a hefty number of chips but then got called away to come downstairs for the tossing of the bouquet and garter. Both rituals I would normally love to steer clear of but since I promised Sarah so many things out of my character I figured I would stick to those promises. A co-worker caught the bouquet - I was hoping it would be Jenn just to prove to Sarah she was indeed wearing underwear this time around. My walking partner (AKA The Spaniard) of course caught the garter. I called that one the night before, as did everyone else I am sure. Her leg was up before he even got down. I think she was pretty excited. Hell, I probably would have been too. The Spaniard spun me around on the dance floor before Sarah and Chris made their way down the stairs to drive off into the night and then to London.

The girls went back upstairs to start packing up while I chatted up The Spaniard for what ended up being my last glance of his appetizing 5 o'clock shadow. (I have a thing for facial hair - I'm a total sucker) He never said goodbye and my heart was broken into a thousand pieces. Okay, not exactly true, but had etiquette come into play I would've at least gotten a "Goodbye, nice walking with you, flirting with you and being bossed around by you", right? So we collected our things and made our way back to our suite at the resort.

First things first was to wash the make up and hairspray right down the drain of that glorious shower. (That shower had spouts coming out from every direction. It was like Heaven.) I'm not even sure I even blow dried my hair. I got in bed and cuddled up to Jenn and Ayden and laughed about the night's events. As soon as my head hit the pillow I was out.

"Sunday morning, rain is falling ..." Yes, it's a song, but also is true about the next morning. I was actually kind of glad that I had forgotten my bikini. On top of not having any free time to go outside in it, the weather was gloomy - just like my attitude. I don't know what my problem is the day after a wedding, but it is never a happy one. Happy for the couple, yes, but for me there is always something off. Sometimes it is thoughts of whether or not I will have this for myself one day and other times it is having to say goodbye to so many things and people. To cheer myself up I went and saw "I Love You, Man" with a friend after I dropped some kids off at the airport. Funny movie, wrong time to see it. I was in the dumpster and not successful at trying to dig through the banana peels and restaurant leftovers. Here it is, two days later, and although I am feeling a little better the gloom is still looming.

I spoke to Sarah just before they boarded their plane to Londontown which made a lot of difference. Sarah is my best friend, my cousin (yes, its true and we can date it going back to Robert E. Lee) and an adopted sister. If I could give one single person credit for getting me back to Florida from LA it would be a tie between her and my Grandmother. Although we are so different in so many ways, she loves me and accepts me as I am. A feat that many avoid taking on. I love her dearly and am so very happy for her. She got her fairytale and deserves every bit of fairy dust. She is beautiful inside and out and without her friendship and love I would be in a far different place than I find myself today. I suppose that kind of friendship is rare - the kind that led me to sit in her car for four hours during her first meeting with Chris. It was supposed to have been a 30-minute wait and while most people would have put their foot down, I knew that something must have sparked and chose to let the spark turn to fire because that is how much I love her. We have had so many memories together and I can only hope that we will have that many more. We terrorized babysitters while our parents were on weekend retreats; she taught me about cucumbers with Ranch dressing; we devoured entire pizzas (singlehandedly) in one sitting; we organized our own fashion shows; we choreographed numbers to The Lion King; antagonized our little sisters; snuck mini bottles of white zinfandel from Edgewater Beach Drive; cheered together on Gators; graduated 'modeling school' together; were forced to be in church musicals together; stayed at every Embassy Suites together in Central Florida; took roads trips; suffered through church camp; discovered heartbreak from boys and the realization that we really could not sing despite what our parents had led us to believe; she introduced me to American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance and I will miss watching with her; we cooked together (and boy did she come a long way from burning soup!); we scammed our daddys for money; jetskied through Red Tide and walked around The Ritz asking fellow guests if they'd like some Grey Poupon. We have shared so many things and she will forever be my Bestist Fwend four liefe. :)

What an amazing weekend ... what an amazing life as friends that will continue on ...

Run Forrest Run ...

So I branched out this past weekend. I participated in the annual Gasparilla Distance Classic, running in the 5K. So you have a clear view of just how prepared I was, the last time I ran was approximately 11 months ago. I mean, I take the stairs at work and walk the neighborhood about once or twice a month, but other than that I do my yoga and pilates - and that is if I get time to do that!



I got a call from my dear friend, Melissa, last Wednesday asking me to run the 5K with her. Since I am up for any challenge (well, most any) I said yes. I went out that night and, with the assistance of my father who used to run, I bought some new trainers. I did a fast on Friday to shed some water weight and stuffed myself with pasta that night to store some energy I would need the following morning.



I headed over to South Tampa early Saturday morning to meet up with Mel and her parents. We had a quick breakfast at Daily Eats (a must if you live in South Tampa). I had 2 egg whites scrambled with sliced tomatoes and water while the other three had fresh fruit with oatmeal. We headed down to Bayshore to get in line for the race to begin. The race started off rather smoothly. I had a good pace, although I was getting passed left and right - even by the little old man with two feet in the grave and braces on both of his knees. I had my iPod going and was 'in the zone'. I got about 3/4 of a mile and I had to slow my pace. My heart felt like it was going to burst right through my chest. I did my jog/walk for about 1/4 mile then got back in my run mode. At this point I was on Bayshore with a clear view of the water. The sun was shining and it was a brisk 69 degrees. Perfect day for a run. I made it about another mile before I had to slow down again - this time because my ankle was telling me that it couldn't take much more (I had failed to get a cortisone shot the day before). I walked for about 100 yards and pushed myself to finish the last of the race, at least by jogging. To pass the time I did my random fist pumps and drooled over cute boys without their shirts on with their pectorals glistening from the sweat. Hey, can you blame me? I reached what I thought was the finish line, but turns out it was a ploy. They were just taking pictures. I thought I was going to die. I continued on my way and at last I finally saw the Publix banner marking the finish line. I was about 50 yards out when I felt my body react to the realization that it was almost quitting time. It did all I could to keep from passing out - besides I couldn't slow down in front of all those thousands of people. Me embarass myself? I think not. I crossed the finish line at 38 minutes, 55 seconds. Not only did I impress myself, but all my friends and family that threatened to disown me should I finish last - behind the mothers (and fathers) with strollers.

I was 452nd in my division (age group) and I came in just over 5,000 overall in a group of over 12,000 registered runners - although just under 9,000 actually finished the race. I made a goal for myself and I accomplished it and in the meantime managed to exceed my expectations. I had so much adrenaline running through my body by the conclusion of the race that I couldn't sit still for the rest of the day. I was ready to run again, but instead played motor mouth to Mel and her family. We headed up to the Convention Center (after we found each other. We failed to make a plan to have a meeting point following the race) and perused the different booths they had set up inside. I walked away with a lot of schwag and the motivation to enter more races in the coming months.

It's such a positive feeling walking away knowing you did something worthwhile that can also lead to more challenges down the road.

My name is Tiffany J and I am (now) a runner. Woo hoo!

Muddy Buddy here I come ...