Sunday Night Stalking

Earlier in the week, Lindsay sent Karen, Megan and I an email, an invitation really, to the 5th Anniversary Party at Halo (gay bar in DC), on Sunday, from 7:30-9. Under normal circumstances, we wouldn't A) go out on a Sunday night but if we did, it wouldn't be B) at a gay bar. But these were not normal circumstances. Through the "Anti-Real World" blogger, there was a 2-1 chance that cast members from the DC Real World would be there. Awesome.

So we ventured out, to Halo, on a Sunday evening, dressed as though it was Saturday night. I had called ahead for the dress code, but figured there would be a bunch of people there, dressed nice, considering it was an anniversary party AND potential Real World stalking. We come into Halo and quickly discover that A) we are overdressed (most were in shorts and flip flops) and B) we were the only women (and probably straight people) in the bar. We made our way to order drinks, trying to ignore the stares we were receiving. Luckily, there was a 2-1 deal on drinks until 9 :)

Shortly after we secured our drinks and table, we saw the camera crew come in. There they were! 3 cast members, and their crew, walked right by us and lingered on the dance floor (steps from our table) for a bit. Needless to say we all immediately texted people who would care to let them know who was there. Unfortunately, the excitement only lasted maybe 5 minutes as the cast made their way to the "VIP Party" upstairs. Foiled again! We had another drink, and made our way out the door. But as we passed the stairs, we noticed it was no longer roped off. Karen asked if we could go upstairs and the bouncer said, "No problem!" So away we went.

And they were there. Hanging out. Awesome. And even better? There were free drinks at the bar. Apparently it was for this "VIP" party, but hell, we were the only straight women in the place, so we were VIP. Ha. So we got our free drinks (Belvedere Vodka, Barefoot Chardonnay) and scooched to the other side of the bar, where the cast and crew were. Oh, and what else was there? Um, how about an appetizer table - Saweet! Free drinks AND free food. We quickly scavenged the table and then just looked around, as if we belonged there.

There were a few photographers taking pictures to document the party. One of the photographers, a young woman, asked to take our picture. Thinking nothing of it, we smiled and carried on. She told us that the picture would be for The Blade (the gay newspaper for DC) Great. We may be plastered on the front page for all we know. But we moved on. Then, it happened. Karen, pieced it together - young photgrapher, camera crew filming HER taking pictures - she was a DC cast member!!! We had our picture taken by a DC cast member! I know it's nothing, nothing at all. These people aren't celebrities - yet - but I was SO excited about it. It made the night totally worth it.

We hung around a little more, and Karen and Lindsay got their picture taken with JD - Real World Brooklyn. He was there promoting the event. We finally decided to roll out around 10:30, probably much to the relief of the regulars there. "What are these straight women doing here anyway??" We walked outside, and then learned that the cast was still there, downstairs. We walked back in to grab another look - and came to the conclusion that the camera crew had figured out that we were there for the cast. Whatever. It was awesome and totally worth it. We plan to work some full-fledge stalking on August 15, if anyone wants to join :)

Karen and I - DC Camera Crew behind us

Erica (DC Cast)

Lindsay, JD (Real World Brooklyn), Karen

Callie (DC Cast) - the sneaky photographer

New Respect

I have a new respect for slow pitch catchers. Yesterday, I played on my friend's team in Manassas because they were short girls. Being a sub, I rotated between outfield, bench and catcher. I have never played catcher in slowpitch, and haven't played catcher since 6th grade. And let me tell you, that position is hard! I mean, I have ALWAYS underestimated this position. First of all, you have to constantly change position behind the batter because I for one was scared to get smakced in the head by the bat. Secondly, that ball takes weird hops when it hits the ground and it's hard to stop all of them. But the third, and worst part of the position - the squatting! Holy Quads Batman. I didn't even play catcher the entire game(s) but MAN are my quads sore! I mean wow. I was having some troubles going down the excalator today. I knew my legs were getting a workout, but I really didn't expect this. So catchers, I commend you. You must have legs of steel.

In regards to playing yesterday, this league by far had the weirdest rules. The team is only required to play 2 girls = SUPER LAME! I mean seriously, do you have no respect for the ability of the women? This rule is RIDICULOUS and just really bugs the crap out of me. It's hard enough dealing with the stupid "girl walk rule" but 2 girls?? I mean, why have any girls at all? I am one girl who HATES walking after the guy does. My Monday night team NEVER lets that happen, even if we are losing. We come to play, not get walked. My Thursday night team, well, I think they only want you to walk if we're losing or the game is close. Still not a fan of that. Honestly, this is Rec league people. It's not our careers. I want to hit. So yesterday, I was almost in the position of having to walk. Being a newbie on the team (and previously striking out) the "coach" urged me to take the walk instead of hit. I, of course, glared in his direction and forcefully put my bat down. He says, "Everyone has to walk. It's not a big deal." well it's a big deal to me! I WANT TO HIT. That's why I have been playing softball for the past 18 years. If I get walked, then fine. But I will NEVER be happy about walking without even getting in the batter's box. Seriously... it's just a game! And you know what happened? I couldn't walk because there was only 1 out. So I got a basehit instead. Yeah.

But the WORST rule in this league... the safety base. "What is that?" you may ask. Yeah, exactly. There is this random temporary base a few feet off of homeplate. So it eliminates any possible collision. How it works is that is a play is coming home, the runner has to tag the safety base before the catcher tags homeplate. This rule is STUPID. It eliminates any close plays and excitement at home. Sure, it eleiminates possible collisions. I understand in a sense because our catcher got clobbered at homeplate and had to have knee surgery. But that doesn't happen often. Most players slide or hold up when there may be contact. It's a completely ridiculous rule... and I got called out on it. If the runner goes to homeplate instead of the safety bag, then the runner is out. So I, who had not been told of this at the beginning of the game, naturally tagged homeplate instead of this stupid safety base and I was called out. I was pissed. The ump later told me that they usually only use the safety bag in the 65+ leagues. Right.

My weakness... 6 in 15

If you know me at all, you know my weakness is concerts. I've always been a concert-lover, but until I met Bruno, I never had anyone to go with me. So I'd average maybe 2-3 concerts a year. But when I met Bruno, well that all changed. Since he's a lover of concerts as well, and we share similar music tastes, my average per year got bumped up to 20-22! And I LOVE it!

It's our weakness... we will buy tickets when we have no money. We can't help it. We just get so involved in the music and hate missing our favorite artists. We will see them 2-3 times in a year, if we're lucky enough to have them tour that often. Our wedding was focused on our love of music - from the table names, placecards and ever favors.

So this is the background that leads me to this post - 6 in 15 days. I recently went to my 6th concert in 15 days... and even for me, that's a lot! Here's the list of the shows...

New Kids on the Block
Taylor Swift
No Doubt
The Fray
Plain White T's
Aerosmith

You know what I love about this list? I love that all the music is SO different. Yes, I'm a teeny-bopper at heart but when it comes down to it, I really love music and will try almost anything when it comes to it. I will go to concerts having never heard the artist before (the Yeah Yeah Yeahs 3 years ago) and concerts where I know EVERY SINGLE SONG (Panic at the Disco).

The atmospheres and crowds of these 6 shows was so different from each other... it was just great. I can't say much more about, aside from that I loved them all... I went to the shows with different groups of people... and had a great time at every single one of them.

I don't think I can ever give this up. I want to say I'm around 10 or so for the year... so I may be behind schedule. But it catches up and I'm sure I'll make it over the 20 mark. Next up - Eric Hutchinson and Jason Mraz. I saw Eric at the beginning of May at the 930 Club. Now he'll be performing at Merriweather. A different kind of venue - not nearly as intimate. The largest venue I've seen Jason Mraz at is Constitution Hall. So it will be a different feel, especially sitting on the lawn (pavilion seats are sold out!) but nonetheless, I can't say no.

Anything you can't live without??

Ok, I'm a slacker

So it's been about a month and I PROMISED to write about the wedding day... but honestly, most of you have already heard about it. It was a WONDERFUL day - PERFECT! And I couldn't be happier!

Our honeymoon was FANTASTIC and I think it worked out perfectly with the balance of being busy and relaxing. All the pictures from it are on Picasa, and on our Facebook.

So now that we're back to regular life, I've had more questions about, "Do you feel different?" Even Bruno asked me. And honestly, well, I kinda do and I kinda don't. I'm thinking since we've already been living together, sharing expenses and a bank account, well, being married so far is like not being married. But I am happier... I really am. Sometimes I just sit back and think about how lucky I am to have found such an amazing guy, who loves me SO much, and takes care of me... he's just awesome and I love him SO much!!!

Ok, mushy-stuff done...

Maybe the "I feel different" will take affect when I go through all the name change stuff. I've started the process... but it's a long one. And with a lot of other stuff going on right now, changing my name immediately isn't the best thing. So I'm pretty certain when I really have to refer to myself as Molly de Lima-Campos... and become that new person, then I will feel different. Right now, honestly, I just feel old! Even though I'm still 28, as I was before we got married, I feel old when saying, "I'm waiting for my husband." I'm very proud to say it, and love it and embrace it, but when I say that to people I don't know, I just feel old. Has anyone else felt that way?

I also thought that I would miss the planning, but I don't. I like coming home and not having to worry about it. Of course I still ready the WeddingBee blog 15 times a day, but I don't miss the planning. I was super happy with the wedding, and would only change minor things... (like printing a little neater on the placecards) but it wa perfect. Everyone had a fantastic time and we honestly had the greatest exit ever! I can't wait to see the video.

But that's where we are. Back to the regular day to day, but working towards becoming Mrs. de Lima-Campos. I'm excited for my new "identity" but a little sad too. But I love seeing "Molly and Bruno de Lima-Campos" on cards :)

Don't Worry!

I PROMISE to post a blog about our wedding very soon. Hopefully before we leave for our honeymoon because I know some people would love the inner details of the day. Soon, I promise! But to tide you over, here are some of my fav pics so far from the Best. Day. Ever.

Here it is!

What you all have been waiting for... the recap of my Bachlorette Party!!! Let me say again what an AWESOME job Karen and Allyson did, and what an FANTASTIC time I had with everyone. You guys ROCK!

Saturday

The weekend event started Saturday morning when Karen, Allyson and Chelsea came through my front door, yelling and putting a sash and veil on my head. My thought, "Will I have to wear this for EVERYTHING?" Haha.

They gathered my things, pushed me out the door, and we were on our way. Destination unknown. As the whole weekend was. We caravaned with Erin to Manassas, where we made our first stop to pick up Julie. At this point, I figured we were headed South.

Our first stop, aside from the gas station, was the James River Winery. Lottie joined us and together we all went in to sample some delicious wines.

After a round of tasting, we bought some bottles and headed outside for an amazing picnic. All the girls had brought such a great spread of food, including Garlic Knots from Montana Bread Co. in Richmond (thanks Lottie!!) and more food then all of us could eat. At this point, Linda, Mollie and Lindsay joined the crowd.

We ate, drank, made some new friends, and we were on our way to the next stop.

We stopped at a hotel just outside of Richmond, where we would be hanging out until it was dinner time. It was there that the others joined the crowd... Stephanie, Kim, Juli, Chrissy, Joyce, Jen. We hung out in the rooms, which were appropriately tagged with signs for "Molly's Bachlorette Party"... I think that made other visitors in the hotel a little nervous!

After getting ready to go to dinner, all the girls gathered in my room for some party rules, plans, presents, cookies and champagne. It was after the gift opening that I was told of my fate for the evening... I would have a series of competitions that I would need men I would meet that night, to complete. The prize was a fantastic gold medal. In addition to the competition, all the girls had written their own requests that I would have to complete throughout the night as they handed them to me. I told them, "Let me have enough drinks before you hand me any cards!"

Next stop... The Beach House Bar and Grill, specifically The Keys Piano Bar.

Adorned in my veil, sash and now pink boa, we all sat down at the table and anxiously awaited for the pianists to make their appearance. The food was delicious (including cheese fries!) and the fun soon began.

We all started making requests... and after handing them a generous donation, the pianists played our songs, including once specifically for me.

A few hours later, it was time to head to our next destination. We left the bar after an great rendition of "Rocking the Suburbs" and were on our way. Little did I know we'd be taking such a sweet ride... a limo bus! We picked up everyone and headed to Old Tobacco Company in Richmond.

It was there that we danced, drank and got free pink champagne. I handed out my medals, after some stiff competition of course, and worked my way through the other cards. The night was fun, and our large group rolled out around 1:30am.

Sunday

Though I wasn't sure it would happen... my group and I were able to get out of the hotel by 10am. Karen had told us all the night before about getting up early, but you just never know...

So we left the hotel and headed back to Richmond. I was a little nervous when we got out of the car and the girls made sure I had my veil and sash again.

"For breakfast?" I thought.

Well, it turns out, it was for brunch. And it WAS a definite must. Stephanie and Kim had to leave to head back to NY, but Andrea and Jennifer joined us just in time for what was sure to be a one-of-a-kind meal. We got to Godfrey's and waited about 20 minutes, along with about 50 other women.

"Why are all these women here?" I thought.

And then there she was. I mean, there he was. I mean, huh? Yep... we were about to embark on a Drag Queen Brunch. Holla!

I'll just leave you with pictures, because they really do speak a thousand words. The brunch was so much fun, the food was excellent, and I couldn't stop smiling. You won't either!

Thanks again to EVERYONE who made this weekend so memorable. It was truly incredible and I'm so glad to have such amazing friends!!!

In case you missed it...

Here is the wedding announcement from the Washington Post Express. I was so excited to see it in there on Monday morning. I immediately turned to the page on the metro, and stood there smiling. Then I looked around to see if anyone else was reading it, and if they reconginzed me as the bride. Haha. Of course they didn't. There are so many people and faces on that train... but one can hope.

I looked like some shady thief, rummaging through the newspaper bins to grab as many copies as I could hold. this of course happening during a hard rain and I'm trying to hold my umbrella over myself and the papers. But with great success, I managed to grab about 12 copies. That should be enough... though I almost ran back out, in the rain, to the metro stop to get more.

But it's fun being a "celebrity" for a day. Both Bruno and I have had people email us letting us know they saw our BIO in the paper, and promptly sent the image along to our mutual friends.

Of course this, along with my latest shower and upcoming bachlorette party, reiterates how insanely close this wedding is! I won't go on about it, but I'll just say that 3 weeks is a lot close then 4 weeks! So much to do... and I think we have enough time? I dunno...

My shower this weekend was in New York with my extended family. Mom and I flew up because I was not about to spend 16 hours in the car for a short weekend. My cousins Kim and Steph threw me the shower and I had so much fun! They had compiled a list of 15-20 questions and gave them out to the guests. the questions were ones they had asked Bruno, and it was my job to answer them. I've done this before... and when I got one wrong, I had to add another stick of gum to my mouth. This time, I couldn't open a present unless I got an answer right! So mean... moreso because it took me until the 6th questions to get one right about Bruno. You would think after living with him for a year, and dating him almost 3, that I would know him pretty well. Apparently not. Haha. But after that first right answer, I was on a roll, and I think I may have only missed 1 after that. I was most impressed with myself for pulling out his answer to his "celebrity crush." It's Megan Fox, if you're wondering :)

The food was really great, and was all Mediterranean/Greek foods. you can't ever go wrong with that! And of course we had homemade Italian cookies to finish it off.

Sorry for the lack of post writing. I haven't had too much blog-worthy life stories.