"This isn't California, you know..."

Well shit, that was an understatement if I have ever heard one! That particular phrase was uttered to me by a native Oregonian who consequently found himself sitting next to me in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Express in Columbus, Ohio. We were both waiting to go with a group to grab some food at Max & Erna's (imagine the lovechild of TGI Friday's and Denny's), which was conveniently located adjacent to the hotel. We had been introduced by my Uncle Larry in the morning before my cousin Justin's wedding. The detail of his state of residence is important, as he was bashing on California as much as he could. When he found out that I had just arrived from LAX and that I was freezing my ass off, he decided to get one last jibe in there to emphasize how "wussy" us Californians are...And if I hadn't been to hell and back throughout the night flying and hustling just to make it on time, I would have shared a bit of my impressions about Oregon...but, I settled for a very sarcastic, "You got that right" with a smirk. My point resounded loud and clear.

That's right kids, I was in Columbus this weekend...I left at 11pm friday night out of LAX, flew to Cincinatti/Northern Kentucky (had a really obnoxious experience at that God-awful airport, coupled with the fact that all I wanted was a cup of coffee, a McDonald's hasbrown, and some sleep and I lacked them all...AND I had a snafu with my flight and the terminal from which is was scheduled to depart...) at 5am, then flew to Columbus at 9:30am.

The wedding was great - so much better than I had ever anticipated. I hung out with my parents, my Unlce David, my Meme, My Aunt Lisa and her new husband Jamie. It was hilarous. I met my cousin Jessica's boyfriend - who is a really funny guy. I danced with Justin during the dollar dance for like 2 songs so we could catch up on life. I drank copious amounts of alcohol and actually witnessed my dad dancing!! It was a rare sight - I took photos. I also had to play babysitter to my Aunt, who had waaay too much to drink. It was great to hang out with that family...It had been too long...and although my relationship is still strained with Meme, I think it was important that I saw her...My cousins and aunts/uncles treated me like family and told me how happy and "special" it was that I flew all night to be there...

So, needless to say I was sleep deprived and tipsy for a good majority of the weekend. I felt a family connection that I had never had with that side before and it was a relief...

On the way home I flew to Minneapolis/St. Paul (which is one of the coolest airports I have ever been to) and then into LAX - where I was greeted by a very HOTT Colombian. :)

Oh, and did I mention I flew first class the whole way - yes, this was the $18 plane ticket trip...I have officially been spoiled...

There are so many other things that happened during this past weekend yet I am having troubles recounting it all...I will write more as I remember it, but now I must go to lunch. :)

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