Halloween Embarrassment

So, I come in to work this morning to find a t-shirt with a Michigan emblem on my chair and a note that says "wear this".

Hmm.. what's up? I wonder. But since no one was lurking around I thought little of the request and went to work.

Later in the morning I hear a clearing of the throat.. and turn.. and what do I see?

3 of me. Yes, my colleagues decided I was going to participate in the annual costume contest at work because their costume was to be 'the guy with the glasses that walks around with no shoes on holding the UC berkeley mug talking about Michigan - and reading books while he walks'.

Yeah - that would be me.

Sheesh. Just ask Julie how 'excited' I would have been about this. NOT! But, they obviously had gone to some effort so I didn't want to be a spoil sport. So, I donned the t-shirt.. grabbed my mug and book.. and off to the contest we went to be judged in front of many of my co-workers. Oh, Yippee!

Fortunately, we did not 'win'. Thankfully, the judges were very discerning.

I'm told imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I guess I should be happy?????

Congratulations Mica and Taylor

Last night (Friday night.. 8-8-08!) we attended the wedding of Mica - one of Julie's colleagues at Santa Clara Pet Hospital - to her fiance Taylor.

The wedding was a 'Renegade Wedding'.. because they more or less illuded the law.. to do the ceremony at Lake Merritt in Oakland. They're idea was to have everyone just basically 'show up' at the wedding location - just in time to perform the ceremony and high tail it out to the reception hall before the popo (police) figured out what was going on. It was a georgous location and a fun idea. It's great when you realize how creative some people can be in making their wedding day a real, special, unique memory. I'm sure this night will be just that for them.

Mika was radiant from head to toe! And did you notice 'Pie' - her White Cap Pionus (that's a bird for you folks in Michigan) that doubled as her bouquet? How original - and a great way to get the whole family involved.

I particularly was moved by their vows which were very unique and touching. And, I'm pretty sure they were married by the bass player in Taylor's band!

The reception was at at a wonderful old style ballroom. Because of the lucky day (8-8-8) it wasn't that surprising to find that we all were assigned to table 8! Except, lucky, the kids. They're table was labelled 'fun' - at it was. There were games and flashing lights and CRAFTS. Anyone wanna guess where Julie could be found for half the reception ;) It was a creative way to invite your friends that have kids.. and have both them and the parents enjoy the reception. What a great idea.

The food and music were fantastic. Taylor's band played. We left too early (to get ready for the Dammit Run).. but I heard a rumor that Taylor would actually play during the evening.

I also learned an important lesson... because my camera's battery died about 5 minutes after we arrived! Time to order a backup!

Good Luck Andrea! *** Updated

If you'd like to know a truly crazy person - please allow me to introduce you to Andrea Rogers!

Andrea is a colleague of Julie's, a family friend, and more importantly - an 8 time marathon runner! You don't necessarily have to be crazy to work with Julie or to be our friend (ok... maybe..) - but you do have to be crazy to run 8 marathons.

Or.. make that 9! Because Andrea is off to Honolulu to run her 9th marathon this weekend.

***** We heard from Andrea Sunday and she finished in about 5:50!! Congratulations Andrea! *****

Andrea was also a part of Team Tod 2007 and I really wish we could return the favor. How fun would it be to be darting around Oahu encouraging her. I think Joel and Hannah would be down with a trip to Hawaii!

Alas, since we can't be there.. we will just wish her great success here! Have a great run Andrea and know that we will all be thinking about you on your big day. Oh yeah, and don't die.

PS.. did you know? the Honolulu Marathon is one of the largest in the world? in 2006 there were over 28,000 entrants! also.. do you know which country has the most entrants? No way - USA. Nooo Canada! China - my heina! Japan? hai. (that means yes). Over 62% of entrants in 2006 were from Japan!