Receptions

Yesterday Mom threw me/us a reception in Greenville for those people who didn't get to come to the wedding here in November - family, friends in Greenville [SC]/Knoxville [TN]...it was catered by two ladies who have known my mother since before I was born. I grew up with their kids. (One of their kids I was in love with for 10 years - I'll admit it was a little odd introducing him to Stu) It was so strange to see the mixture of people - friends meeting friends from Knoxville, Greenville, Fountain Inn, Spartanburg, Tigerville...four of my family members showed up (great uncle and aunt and grandparents, all from my mom's side), more than expected. :P Our family has never been one for social functions. At least on that side of the family. Some people I hadn't seen in years - two of my dearest friends (we've been friends for 10 years) from Knoxville, one from Greenville (6 years)...just a strange thing...and a lot of grown ups who had kids with my mom.

It's weird to see how much people care. My godparents were there (Senator David Thomas, State Senator to SC), and so were the Downing family, with their six girls (!!)...they were all so happy about meeting Stu and congratulating me on graduating *fingers crossed* and I have a sense of wonderment at how much people seem to love me. It's a strange thing. I feel like I don't deserve it and I do a bad job of returning it. After losing Morgan and even after leaving Spain, the part of me that misses people is gone. I don't miss most people when they're gone. There are very few that I actually miss. I feel horrible about it, and have for years, but there you are. I'm happy to see them if I get the chance, but there's no longing there. And I feel like the people that have known my parents forever don't know ME. The one that went to college and discovered a whole new world full of things they might disapprove of.

This weekend was very, very stressful and very hectic. But the party was great. I got to visit with people I hadn't seen in ages (Like I keep saying) and Stu got to meet a lot of my friends (poor darling) and we DID get some cool presents:

-12-cup Coffee Maker
-Coffee Grinder
-Starbucks Coffee
-Stoneware Loaf Pan & Bread mix
-Cookbook
-Towel set
-Giftcards/cash
-candles
-silverware/serving set
-cleaning supplies [oddly enough we were quite excited about these. Me being practical in some ways and Stu in love with hand soap and cleaning agents...we thought it was cool]
-picture frame
-movies [A Knight's Tale and one my brother's friend made]

Etc. So we had fun unwrapping presents. :P

Stu is currently in Romans and I am about to head out to go shopping with Mom. And then write Thank You notes while I'm at work.

PS I also got a new party dress - it's a bright apple green that shimmers...it looks like it's from the 50's. I did too, w/ my new haircut and a pearl necklace to complete the outfit. :)