Helter-Skelter

I’ve got the power! Now, about last night. Well, actually, it was yesterday afternoon that I attended the wedding reception for Swan’s sister Charm and her hubby, Jack. The festivities kicked off at noon and lasted until five or so. So, yes, I was drinking beer, and no, they didn’t have Zero available. I didn’t do anything stupid, but I was feeling no pain when I departed.

This was my first time at a Filipino post-wedding gathering. Nothing really out of the ordinary, but there were some things I’m not accustomed to seeing at a reception. For one thing, they had a female master of ceremonies shouting into a microphone, which was pretty irritating. She also sang a few songs but had a nice enough voice. I’m familiar with the bride and groom doing the first dance, but yesterday, several wedding party members were also called down to the dance floor, including Swan. Luckily, they played a country song when we danced, so I used some of those swing steps I learned during my time in Oklahoma. Swan followed along quite well.

Not quite at this level, but we had some moves. I think the audience was impressed.

The food was good, I knew a couple of the other attendees, and I met some new folks that I enjoyed chatting with over the course of the afternoon. I was also reminded of why I make it a point to avoid drinking until beer o’clock. When the reception was done, so was I. Even by my early bird standards, going to bed before 6 p.m. can be problematic, like waking up at midnight after a full night’s sleep. I wound up completing my morning routines by 2:30 and then managed to take a nap until my regular wake-up time. Still, I felt out of sorts in a helter-skelter kind of way.

That’s as dressed up as I get these days: no shorts, no hat, no Sketchers. I am glad I made the effort; with one or two exceptions, everyone wore pants.
Table decorations
A well-appointed reception hall at Subiza Resort.
The maid of honor
Here comes the bride and groom
The traditional first dance. What I’d never seen before was the part where the guests pin money on the newlyweds as they dance.
Oh, and Swan caught the “gold bouquet,” which has some supposed meaning that will not apply in my case. Been there, done that.
I’ll be enjoying the view from Subiza again on Monday when the Hash pays a visit.
Post-reception hanging out on the back deck was my favorite part of the afternoon.

Good luck to Jack and Charm. They’ve been together as a couple for nine years or so–I’m sure this next step will be an easy one for them.

Today’s Quora Q&A:

Q: I have lived in 5 states in the USA and I am 22. How about you, how many states have you lived in within the USA or the country that you reside in? Which one is your best?

A: I have lived in California, Arizona, Oklahoma, Arkansas, South Carolina, and Virginia. I also lived in South Korea, and I now call the Philippines home.

My favorite state was Arizona, although I could say something positive about all of them except California.

Korea was a great experience, and I’m enjoying my retired life in the Philippines.

Maybe these will make you smile (or cringe):

In keeping with the wedding theme.
I’ve never been to Paris, so I can’t say if it sucks or not.

And that’s that. A nice long candy walk with Swan this morning that I’ll tell you about tomorrow.

2 thoughts on “Helter-Skelter

  1. Sounds like a good reception even if you had to retire early. Loud lady at the mike? Pinning money on the newlyweds? All sounds normal to me! I wonder whether you’d enjoy the romantic comedy “Plus One.”

    I have lived in 5 states in the USA and I am 22.

    Why’re you moving around so much, kid? Just restless?

    I’ve never been to Paris, so I can’t say if it sucks or not.

    Paris is big and complex enough to offer different experiences to different travelers. A lot will complain about the rudeness of Parisian employees (at restaurants, etc.). Many will be wowed by the city’s cosmopolitan flavor. Others will love all the monuments, museums, theaters, etc. Just avoid the shady sections where the predators try putting a woven wristband on a tourist’s wrist, then demanding ten bucks and calling you racist if you peel the “gift” off and give it back. Stay away from tents, mattresses, and the smell of piss.

    Hope you’re nicely rested. I’m off to bed myself, having eaten nothing today, so I guess I fasted.

  2. I don’t do a lot of weddings (although I was a best man once), but I’d never seen that money-pinning thing. On the other hand, I didn’t see anyone bringing gifts, so I guess the pinning tradition is better than two toasters. I’ll see if I come across “Plus One” someday; at least, I’ll recognize it now, having seen your review.

    I just assumed that person who lived in five states at 22 must have been a military brat. I didn’t make my first move until I was 23.

    You make Paris sound like San Francisco.

    You’ve already fasted? That was quick… *ahem*

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