esrosedotblog

I DO

We are going to a wedding this evening.

I almost got out of it.

But, every once in awhile, it is important to say even a grudging yes to an unwanted social opportunity.

I am not against weddings although it would be fine with me if everyone just got a JP and ran off on the honeymoon. Telephone the news.

I just don't like standing around waiting for something to happen that doesn't involve me in any way.

Is that self centered? I suppose so.

But, you have to admit that there isn't much in it for the spectators unless they are maybe, just maybe and hardly that, close family or friends.

You know, if you have been trying to get your kid to move out of the house and this is the only way to do it? Or you are so tired of your best friends pre-op whining about the boyfriend?

Not that the whining would stop, actually, but the married state does seem to stabilize relationship drama somewhat. It settles into stereotype and cliché.

We will go and I will want to leave almost as soon as we get there. The vows are first on this one so maybe I will wait until those are over.

We are eating before. I gained that point anyway. Doing something like this is hard enough but on an empty stomach? No way. And, I am sorry, canapés are not food.

I know that my partner wants to stay for the cake. Shit. I will buy him all the cake he can eat just to get out as early as possible.

But, there will be some people we know there. In fact, there is a deal with another couple. One of those is an introvert too.

The deal is that we will leave early and the other cake eaters can stay and have at their extrovert fun. Then, they can take each other home.

But, that is Plan B. I think that I can make it through the cake.

Another card up my sleeve. I have promised Franklin that his crate time will be limited to less than two hours. Can't break a deal with the dog!

I know that I am projecting needlessly but already there was a bad start. The tan pants that I was going to wear have moth holes at the knee, so it will be the basic black again.

At least it is 'desert casual' as everything here is. Soft clothes. No high collars. No ties. Loose shoes.

I sure had that tan outfit down in my head though. I ordered a new pair already from Lands End but they won't be here before 7 PM. No wool this time. Silk/cotton twill.

What else can I bitch about?

Not much.

I am more or less ordered to attend one social function a year. If I am lucky, some years get a pass.

It is a little like jury duty. Make your appearance and have all the 'reasons' for ineligibility ready to fire.

I know that a lot of other guys do a hell of a lot worse. They have to tow the social line weekly or even more often. The poor bastards.

Did I mention that this is a second marriage for both? Grown kids. Even more reason to elope.

Oh well. It is too late for that. The cake has been bought. Presents are on the table.

The curtain rises in 4.5 hours and I will be there 'for better or worse'.