Tag: party

#TBT to That Time I Nearly Vomited on 100 People

Today is Throwback Thursday, right? Great! Let’s throw it back to less than an hour ago when I nearly hurled on 100 very nice people at the top of the Kress building in downtown Birmingham.

Tonight was one of my favorite nights in Birmingham – the Sidewalk Film Festival $10k Party where they sell 150 tickets and one lucky person walks away with $10,000 at the end of the night. It was also three years ago tonight that my husband and I first hung out for an extended period of time and the night of our first kiss. So this is a pretty special night in its own right even without the party.

Tonight, however, was more nerve wracking and more emotional than I had experienced in years, maybe in all my years. They start by calling out 10 of the 150 numbers for elimination. Then they take a break and the DJ plays some music and then another batch is called for elimination. My husband and I had 3 chances between us for the prize. His number was eliminated in the first few rounds. I still had my two. A few rounds of 10 numbers being called and we’re now on to batches of 25 numbers being called for elimination. I’m still in it with two numbers. Hubby is constantly redoing the math to figure out my odds.

There are ten numbers left. I have one of them.

There are now five numbers left. I have one of them.

There are now three numbers left. I have one of them. They ask the top three to come to the front of the stage so everyone can see their reactions. A very nice lady next to me introduces herself and shakes my hand. I reciprocate.

They call a number for elimination. There are now two left. I have one of them.

My head is swimming. The blood is rushing to my face. I’m closing my eyes and grasping my ticket, trying to be calm and mindful. People are shouting my name, someone asks me if I’m praying. I don’t pay attention…I CAN’T pay attention…my mind is a blur. I want to vomit. I think I’m going to…right in front of all the people. In front of the emcee. In front of my husband.

The last number is called for elimination. It’s mine. People come up and pat me on the back and ask me if I’m ok. No, not really, but thank you for asking. I mean, I’m fine. I didn’t come with that $10k and I’m not leaving with it. But wow, what a roller coaster.

I think about the cosmic meaning of what just happened the entire way home. I’m grateful I was close, but in all honesty, that kiss from my husband three years ago and my amazing life, friends and family far surpass any check I could have been given tonight. So while I didn’t win the raffle, I won the jackpot and I’m very happy with that.

But who are we kidding? I would have OWNED that check! 🙂

“Mawwiage is what bwings us togethew today.”

ring

“Mawwiage. Mawwiage is what bwings us togethew today. Mawwiage, that bwessed awwangement, that dweam within a dweam. And wove, twue wove, wiww fowwow you fowevah and evah… So tweasuwe youw wove”
~ The Princess Bride

FINALLY! I can tell the world!  Do you know how hard it has been for me to keep quiet about this? I am not known for my patience or keeping my mouth shut when there is big news. I can do it (obviously), but I’m not a fan. 🙂 The “big news” that I hinted at earlier this week is finally public knowledge – Daniel and I are engaged! He asked me last week, I – of course – said yes, and we’ve been quietly telling the family and such until today. There was a method to our madness and I appreciate all of my wonderful gal pals and close friends not getting offended by not being the first to know. It was a very special, sweet proposal without a lot of fanfare (unlike me and what I normally go for, but it was PERFECT in this situation), and we are happy to finally be able to tell everyone. We have so many wonderful friends that have been along for the ride ever since we met that night at Little Savannah so many moons ago. We have made a million more friends on our journey and can’t wait to share the special day with all of you. We haven’t ironed out any details yet, but do keep an eye out for information. I think we’re going to have to do a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the celebration party we want to throw at the end of it all. Or I’m going to go around asking for donations again, but not for the next Bham Dance Walk…for our party! lol. You all are most definitely invited, but it may turn into BYOB because there is no way we can feed and imbibe all the awesome folks of Birmingham that we want to invite. We’ll figure it out, but any and all tips, help, advice is greatly appreciated. And yes, that is my ring. He did a GREAT job! 🙂

In other news: Don’t forget that the Picture Perfect Holiday Giveaway is still open and I’m looking forward to your entry.

Love yourself.
Find peace inside.
Share happiness.