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We're Chained, We're Cha-ai-ined, We're Cha-ai-ai-ained, We're Cha-ained (or "We're Shoot to Aim," Depending on Who You Ask)

July 4, 2006 10:45 PM

or as long as I've had good friends, Frank has been one of the best. Frank and I met when we were in middle school, but we didn't become friends until high school. When we graduated from high school, we went on to NAU together. Although many of my friends from Nogales went to NAU, Frank was one of the few that I kept consistently in touch with, and was one of only two that I got closer to (the other being Chris). Over the four years we spent at NAU together, Frank and I became part of a close-knit group of friends that, I discovered this weekend, endures to this day. When Frank graduated from NAU after four years and went to Michigan, I stayed at NAU because I was a slacker and it took me 5 years to graduate. That was the first time in eight years that Frank and I hadn't gone to the same school. It just wasn't the same, and Frank was missed by everyone.

But things must change, of course. And change they did. Although the essence of Frank remains the same (he's still the same incorrigible, fun-loving Frank he always was), he's grown and matured. And, of course, he's found a girl he loves and who loves him.

So it was with great respect and honor that I stood with Frank, PJ and Santi on Saturday as Frank and Anne exchanged their vows.

Frank had been justifiably nervous for a few days. It didn't help that PJ, Karen, Chris, Roxanna and I were a little late in getting to the hotel before the rehearsal dinner on Friday. Still, it was fun to watch Frank squirm. In the end, the rehearsal dinner went off well.

The next morning, we woke up at about 11 in order to have enough time to get ready for the 3 o'clock wedding. By this time, more and more people from Flagstaff and Nogales were afoot. Santi and his wife Adelina. Evil Evy. Mark. All good people.

We got to the church a few minutes late, but things went ok. Soon enough, the music was playing and Anne was walking down the aisle. I'll spare you the details of the wedding, other than to say it was a beautiful service.


PJ's one goofy bastard.


Groomsmen at attention.


Evy after the ceremony.

Then, we boarded our limos and were driven to the mansion where the reception would take place. The mansion was gorgeous. The wedding party (consisting of PJ, Santi, Frank's two sisters, the maid of honor and myself (plus the bride and groom, of course)), were whisked away to a part of the grounds that were secluded from everything else and many, many, many wedding photos were taken. We all talked and laughed and generally had a good time, although PJ was getting thirsty and hungry.


Right sexy bastards.

Eventually, we were lead back to the mansion, to the second floor. From there, we were announced and descended the stairs. After the bride and groom shared their first dance, we were all free to mingle at will.

It was the first time in at least three years that I was surrounded by so many Flagstaff people.


From right to left: Me, PJ, Karen, Hannis, Roxanna, Chris, Frank, Mark, Dee, Mike.


Just an awesome picture of PJ and Karen.

It really was an awesome reunion, and it was great to see everyone again. But there weren't just Flagstaff folks; Nogales was represented, as well. The most notable Nogales people were Santi and Adelina and Evy. It really was an awesome coming together of every previous stage of my life.


From right to left: Evy, me, Anne, Frank, Adelina, Santi.

The meal, too, was great. The best wedding meal I've had, hands down. It consisted of four courses, the main course being filet mignon and lobster tail. Now, that's how you make wedding guests happy.

After dinner, there was a lot of dancing. Notable moments include the electric slide, Adelina single-handedly attempting to lead some line-dancing, several conga lines, and Chris and Frank sharing one last man-on-man grind.


One last grind for old times' sake.


Frank and I.


Frank and PJ.

The reception went on until 11. After that, a bunch of us (including several members of Frank's family) headed to Mark's suite, where we exchanged some of our favorite Frank stories and had a generally awesome time. People started to go to bed, and Roxanna made a particularly memorable exit.


Best. Drunk person. Ever.

Eventually, everyone went to bed except for PJ, Mark, Evy and I. We stayed up for a very, very long time discussing pretty much everything, and, unfortunately, finding solutions to nothing.

Still, the conversations were amazingly stimulating and thought-provoking.

The weekend was awesome, and it reminded me of something that I shouldn't have forgotten: even though I don't see these people every day, or even talk to them every week, they are still some of my best friends because they know me better than pretty much anyone. They were there for years, through all the good shit and through all of the bad shit. It was an awesome feeling to see everyone!

And, Frank, just remember: The Force will be with you. Always.

Stay tuned: pictures will be uploaded soon!



9 Comments


Santi said:

You've got to hook me up with some pictures, in particular the ones of the Nogales crew that were taken.

Once we got home I was reminded that I have a video Frank and I (and some other dudes) made for English class in 8th grade - it was a chilling script cowritten by Frank entitled "Escape from the Forest". And yes, it is as good as it sounds. So, if anyone (Ismael et al) is ever in California near San Francisco and wants to see 8th grade Frank and Santi in all their glory, give me a call. I would post it on YouTube or something, but fear the humiliation that would ensue.

July 4, 2006 11:19 PM



katja said:

Nice photos. Also, the fact that Anne married Frank made me giggle (get it? Anne Frank? HAR HAR).

Also, FYI, all of your apostrophes in this post turn up crazy weird-like in Safari. I don't know how much you care about browser compatibility with us loser Mac users, but I thought you'd want to know. When I saw the preview before, it wasn't like this. It must have been something YOU did.

July 5, 2006 1:24 PM



jbob said:

How's the law review write-on thingie going? Inquiring minds want to know.

July 5, 2006 1:55 PM



Chrystal said:

Great pictures. I love the one of you three guys, the first picture. The drunk picture is awesome too. Anne looks great. Her dress was really pretty. Frank is one lucky guy!

Looks like it was a great service.

July 5, 2006 4:22 PM



Lauren said:

You guys look great! I can't believe Dee and Mike were there! I thought they were living here! In fact, I could've sworn I saw Mike around the UofA last semester. Anyway, you guys are indeed right sexy bastards and I'm really happy for Frank. I'm glad you guys had fun!

July 5, 2006 10:48 PM



Ismael Tapia II said:

You know, Lauren, Mike and Dee can both live in Tucson and go to a wedding in Connecticut. It's this strange new thing called an "airplane."

Given this miraculous new invention called an "airplane," it is entirely possible that you saw Mike last semester at the UofA and yet he was able to attend the wedding.

I know, man, will the wonders of technology never cease?

July 5, 2006 11:01 PM



Lauren said:

wha...?

July 6, 2006 12:20 AM



Lauren said:

I don't believe this nonsense about 'airplanes' and 'flying.' Pshaw.

July 6, 2006 12:24 AM



RPM said:

All apostrophes...

The quirk on the handsome new blog shows up on firefox and IE on my computer.

I'm glad you had fun and realized that distance and time can't break great friendships.

July 6, 2006 7:03 PM



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