P&R

 

I've been in a pretty good mood for most of 2013, and I've been trying to figure out why. It could be that I've been taking 5,000 IUs of Vitamin D every day or that I've started a new work-out routine. But I think the real cause of my bliss is this: I've been watching episode after episode of the comedy sitcom Parks and Recreation.

For those of you who haven't seen it, it's like a combination of Thirty Rock and The Office, but the context is a local government office. And it's better. However, I recommend that you start watching from the beginning of season one or two because the background on the characters make the current episodes far more enjoyable.

It takes me longer than 22 minutes to watch each episode because I laugh so loudly and for so long that I have to keep pausing it so that I don't miss what happens next. 

I love the juxtaposition of Leslie's earnest, idealistic view of government with Ron Swanson's disdain for it. (Ron is single-handedly softening my view of Libertarians.) I love that Leslie's office is covered with pictures of her female political heroines: Eleanor Roosevelt, Sandra Day O'Connor, Madeleine Albright and Nancy Pelosi. I love all the askance glances at the camera, the improvised monologues, the short scenes after the credits, and especially, ESPECIALLY, Ben and Leslie's love story.

Some days I have to remind myself that I don't actually live in Pawnee, Indiana and that I can't actually go on a lunch date with Leslie Knope. I knew that things were getting bad when I was hanging out one Friday night with a friend, and all I could think about was when I could go home to watch another episode. Some nights, I get too busy or too tired to watch even one short episode, and I start to feel homesick for Pawnee and my friends there.

I just finished season 3, and frankly, I'm a little worried about what is going to happen to my mood when I am all caught up with season 5, and I have no more to watch. Road trip to Indiana anyone? 

Year in Review: Weddings

I attended 5 weddings in 2012 and was "in" four of them. My co-workers kept making jokes about the movie 27 Dresses. I guess that means only 23 more bridesmaid outfits to go until I get to star in my own romantic comedy!

That would be fine with me because I love weddings. I love the rituals, the colors, the toasts, the tears and especially the dancing. I love watching people I care about be cherished and adored by someone they cherish and adore.  I love celebrating the creation of a new family and the miracle of a good match. Here's to even more people finding true love in 2013!

Jenny Corry and Eric Smith

March 10, 2012

American Fork, Utah

 

 

 A long time ago, Jenny and I both loved, and were then spurned by, the same man, and even though we have never lived in the same city, we have always had a special bond. Her girlfriends and I had a particularly good time on the dance floor.

Laney McClain and Josh Armstrong 

April 5, 2012

Oakland, CA

Laney and I both started graduate school at UW four years ago and quickly became inseparable. She was my best Seattle friend until she graduated and took her dream job back in her hometown of Oakland -- where she met her one true love. I still miss her.

Jane Lilly and Ramon Lopez

June 30, 2012

San Diego, CA

Jane and I met almost 12 years ago when we were both college undergrads, and since then we have stayed close and grown closer. One of our most tender moments together was when she invited me to be in the bride's room in the temple with her to help her get ready for her grand exit. It was also special to have her reception and ring ceremony in my parents' back yard.

Kai Carter and Mandi Burton

August 18, 2012

Idaho Fall, ID

 

I met Kai when when both of our families moved to Batesville, Indiana; he was 5 years old, I was 8. Our families have been like family to each other for the past twenty plus years. I came to the wedding as the emissary for the entire Nuckols family who all love and celebrate Kai and his awesome life partner.

Steven Nuckols and Brenna Davidson

December 28, 2012

San Diego, CA

That's my baby brother! He's all grown up now and he made a great choice. Their wedding celebration was both elegant and fun. It was a treat to be in the wedding the party with both of my other brothers and Brenna's siblings too.