SOCIAL CALENDAR FLOOD

I've taken this last week to detoxify.

The two weeks prior to this one, have been a whirlwind of activity... the first week reserved in preparation for my brother's wedding and the second wind storm came packaged as a 5'1 female from SoCal: my cousin Al.

Addressing the first event: It was wonderful to see the first of my two brothers, Mike, getting married. He looked both happy and handsome. Witnessing my youngest brother up at the alter standing beside Mike as his best man was heart stirring and tear jerking.

As expected for special occasions such as this, our extended family poured into town to help Mike and his new wife celebrate their day. I love grand family events, especially the kind where I get to play dress-up. (Of course it's all about me... afterall these are my thoughts on my life... Would you expect anything different?) I wore this bridesmaid, err... brides matron dress and I was HOT... literally, 30° weather HOT. But I did have a fabulous glow about me, mainly due to an extensive morning in hair and make-up... so worthwhile.

My cousins and I organized our own morning make-up preparations. Separate from the wedding party's... I like to use my own people... I'm a diva that way. Our make-up artist does wonders with a brush and face paints. Gin, an addition to the "Newin" girls, was gracious enough to work on our hair; she does wonders with a hairbrush and a blow dryer. All in all, we looked gorgeous (unbiased opinion) and had a wild time getting our glam on.

The "Newin" girls partied into the night! (Some harder than others...)

Now, in reference to hard partiers...

Week two: The tornado that swept into town... Al "Newin". Her week here reminded me of two things: 1. It doesn't matter how many close friends you have, nothing beats family friendships. 2. I am too old to be out and about town every night and still function appropriately at work.

Unfortunately for Al, I had my cranky pants on for her week here... dealing with work personnel (who, to my great gratification, is gone). But we made the best of her short stay up in T.O. packing an event into everyday! An Evening with the new bride and groom -shopping and dinner, Karaoke Night, Spa Night, Club Night... so exhausted just reminiscing about it.

On my one night off, I convinced my cousin Lux to join me in a downtown walk after work... 3 hrs and two pairs of throbbing feet later, we were glad for a chauffeured ride home.

Thankfully, my hiatus was scheduled for the week following my social calendar flood.

I've taken this last week to detoxify.