Heather & Thor’s Weblog

Last night Heather and Thor broke out their customized wedding song thanks to Dave Becker, the DJ/one man music man of their wedding, and for the first time EVER tried to learn to Waltz.

It wasn’t pretty. And not just because they were in their sweats and wearing socks as if ready for a long night’s slumber.

It wasn’t pretty because, well, neither of them can dance. But they tried, and they had fun. They have a few more nights to get it right. But word was heard between them that they realize it may be robotic, clumsy, and not at all romantic and attractive; that there might be more stepped on toes and miss-earned steps with knees bumping than any fluent flow across the dance floor.

But whatever it will be, it will be them and it will be fun!

With just over a week to go until our big day, this last week was one of transition for both Heather and I. Let me explain.

In the weeks leading up to the wedding, Heather has been very busy planning and plotting and aligning logistics for the wedding. As you might expect, there’s a lot of stress involved. Anxiety and nerves have been floating through the Kirleis household. But we’ve done a very good job of keeping it under control. Heather goes out of her way to tell Thor she loves him, while Thor pushes out his chest and mumbles a few words that, although not the three magic words, ring true just the same. That has helped a lot. But the theme is anxiety.

Until this week. Entering two weeks to go until the big day, anxiety has been replaced by extreme excitement. Things are really coming together, and that which doesn’t, oh well… it’s the people and party that matters, because this, we realize, our wedding, will be the biggest party we will ever throw.

It’s a special time for us. A little crazy with trying to close on our old houses and Thor with jury duty, but we realize that this time is one we will look back on with fondness and smile for the amazing way our love focused to pull us even closer together.

One week from today is the Rehearsal dinner!

Check out this travelogue from my dear friend Jim, who I call der Kaiser out of great fondness for all things soccer in the Fatherland.

http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25071

der Kaiser and his lovely fiancee took Heather and I along with them as they vacationed in Scotland. Like gnomes, Heather and I played with them, drank with them, had fish and chips and tried to spot Nessie with them.

Our guests were so nice that they even made sure we were safe and secure on the plane ride home with our seat belts.

A great big thank you to all who participated in the Stag Run to help me celebrate my last days (and marathon) as a free man. Each loop of the course was filled with great conversation and even better friendship. I set two PR’s in this marathon: I chatted more than in any other marathon, and I know I held a smile through the duration. I mean, I think my jaw and the muscle required to smile hurt more at the end of the 26.2 miles than did my legs.

Although the Stag Run was no ordinary bachelor party, with hosts as gracious as Shawn and John Intorcio, it proved to be even better and more fun and certainly more memorable than anything other. For me it was fitting, fun, and filled with the friendship of you all, my training buddies, many of whom have become, over the years, good friends.

From the planning stages when Shawn and John enthusiastically offered the warmth of their home for the celebration, to John helping me sort through event logistics, to marking the course, the event got a jump start in a fun direction.

From the starting line ceremonies complete with a BAF (Big A$$ Flag) that supported a proper National Anthem and even an official flyover, to a few hills on loops one and two and the company to be held, to the wild and crazy and very crowded loop three, and to the beer lap of 2.2 miles to round it out, and finally to the finish line festivities and on to the party that ensued, it was a very fun and definitely memorable time.

I will never forget rounding the final corner into the Intorcio driveway and seeing police caution tape marking the finish line, behind which sat the smiling faces of so many friends. It was honestly enough to force a tear of joy. Although my pace slowed as I broke the yellow tape, the truth is by then I was just trying to stay on my feet for the warmth and kindness shown me. It was a beautiful day, and I thank each of you who played a part to make it memorable.

You guys have me still smiling. Thank you!
 Thor