OOOMPAHHHH!!!!!!

Congratulations to Tim and Eleni, who just not only hosted one of the best parties of all time, but also consecrated their wedding rings at this past Saturday's Engagement Party. It is so interesting learning about all the different cultural aspects of the Greek Orthodox tradition. For example, Tim and Eleni had their rings blessed by the priest, and, from this point on, can wear them on their LEFT hand. Then, in May, when they are married, they move the rings over to their RIGHT hands, since that is the way they do it. Another neat tradition was having Tim and Eleni dance up on a table while people stuck/pinned/whokknowswhat money onto their dress--this is to bring good fortune. Finally, Tim had to swear before all those present that he would not only pledge his whole self to Eleni, but also, at some point, open up a pizza restaurant and work there 84 hours per week for the first two years of their m, arriage.

Amanda and I got the scheduling of the party a little messed up, and this was no big deal, except, to make a long story short, we had to leave the party early (it started at 4 and we left at 830) from Bedford MA, and then drive up to Mount Desert Island to rendezvous with the Willards, who were on vacation and watching the kids for us. So, at 130, we rolled in to the hotel, tried to sleep, and got up early the next morning with Maira. It seemed like one. Long. Day.

But the party!! Oh my goodness what a blast. Getting to be with my two bruthas Tim and Jay (missed you Johnny!), enjoying CaptainMorgans and coke/ginger ale, dancing to Greek music with one of Eleni's nieces, working the room like a politician (thanks CaptainMorgan), and eating more than any human should be allowed to eat in one 24 hour period. The hilight, of course, was the goat: Tim's dad Georgio (owner of THE Georgio's Steakhouse Restaurant in Dighton, MA), along with his brother Christo, bought two young goats, drove them home, slaughtered them in the back yard, dressed them, loaded them onto spits, rubbed them with the seasonings of the Greek gods, and rotisseried the hell out of them to achieve something truly amazing. Just an awesome time with awesome people. Tim's mom produced her world famous Baklava (no idea if I spelled that right), and several other desserts too amazing to even mention.

In true Jared form, I DID manage to annoy/piss off someone--I am extremely skilled at annoying people/pissing them off/getting them to not speak to me/all of the above. Let's just say a woman at a nearby table wasnt a huge fan fan of my supposed "trivializing" of the Greek culture...so what if I said OOOOMPAHHHH 13 dozen times per hour? It is a party. Have a drink.

If this much fun was had at the engagement party, then surely thinking about the wedding in May will get me through those dark winter months ahead......even though I look forward to the winter like Callum looks forward to donuts!

METAXA!!!!!!!

#workingtheroom

 I loveeeeee heeeeeem......

METAXA!!!!!