Are You Nervous?

Over a year ago, I saved up all my pennies and bought my best friend a diamond. I could talk about the Philly Festival proposal but I’ll spare you the details. Just know, that was the most nervous I’ve ever been. So, it may come to a surprise to you to know that, I’m getting married in 3 days, and no, I am not nervous.

This week the question being asked is “Are you nervous yet?” And sometimes I’m confused if they’re asking about the Cardinals series or the wedding.  To answer the question, no, I’m not, the hard part is over! She said, “Yes,” and so did her Father, so why should I be nervous? I’m not giving any speeches this weekend. The only things I need to remember on Saturday is to say “I do” and remember my 1-2 steps on the dance floor. Other than that, it’s all smiles, shaking babies and kissing hands. Now, am I nervous that I might shed a tear or two? Sure, I tend to lean on the emotional side.  Am I nervous that we might have bad weather? Not anymore, we’ve been checking the weather since we set the date. But am I nervous about the wedding? Nah.

All the stress and anxiety is coming to an end as my fiancé and I are tying up the loose ends and making sure everyone knows the game plan (Shout out to “The Boss” for being so beautifully organized and well-planned; perks of marrying a teacher). With the few days leading up to the big day, it’s only fitting I use the Aaron Rodgers’ quote, “R-E-L-A-X….relax.” While that might be hard to convey to everyone involved in the wedding, I’m hoping everyone understands that the most important thing is that all our friends and family will be celebrating alongside with us and enjoying the day.

The idea that I’m getting married didn’t really set in, until I woke up Monday morning the week of with a head-cold and my fiancés car was broken into (luckily nothing was stolen, and I’m feeling fine now). But, that’s when I realized, can’t nothing stop this train! Now, is the fun part.  We went to 9 of our awesome friends’ weddings this wedding season, and if I learned anything from my former bachelors it’s, make sure to soak it up and as Coach Mitchell used to always say, “enjoy the process.”

This blog might be more of a reminder for myself, than it is to the reader. But, you should know… No, I am not nervous for Saturday.  I’m not dying, this is not the end, we’re cementing something that’s been in the works for a long time.  I’m pumped, excited, thrilled, ecstatic, energized, elated, blissful, jacked and ready to roll, not nervous….at least for now...

Red October or Blue October: A State Divided

The Kansas City Royals finally got a chance to see what a win in the playoffs tastes like last night beating the Oakland A’s in the AL Wild Card playoff game. In the words of Dana Carvey’s Church Lady, “Well, isn’t that special?” In all honesty, it was kinda cute to see the Kansas City fan base cheer for their team who hasn’t made the playoffs in my entire lifetime, (since 1985). But, this is the MLB playoffs, and Missouri isn’t big enough for two teams to be in the playoff, right?

As you can tell, as a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, October is when the Birds turn on the heat. The Cardinals tend to keep their heads above water throughout the season, make the playoffs and then start to hit their stride at the right time. We’re the San Antonio Spurs of baseball; we’re fundamental, never flashy, selfless, have great coaching and somehow always compete in the playoffs. October is usually red.

What usually happens is the loyal Royals fans either halfway cheer for the Cardinals or turn their focus on the Chiefs; but not this year.  This year they have a baseball team in the playoffs and they are loud and proud. Winning their first game last night in dramatic fashion was huge for the city. They were so excited they decided to whip out the “Blue October” hoodies prematurely in the dugout even though it was still September. Scrolling through my timeline and newsfeed it looked as though my fellow Cardinals fans were happy for our fellow Royals fans as if they were saying, “Awwww, good for them. But, when do the big boys play?” But, I think it’s safe to say the Royals could really do some damage in the 2014 playoffs. They have the pitching, they play small ball and grind out wins.

Cards fans should really be cheering for the Royals to make it to the World Series because we’ll probably be there waiting for them.  Something on my personal Bucket List is to watch an I-70 World Series.  I’m comfortable enough in my love for the Cardinals to understand a little Royal success won’t affect the strong reputation of the Birds history.  After a year of negativity in the national spotlight, nothing would make the state of Missouri, home of two of the best baseball fans in the world, happier.

That being said, GO CARDS!!