Aug 26, 2008

Buddy + Nicolle = 4/Ever.

If I were to give you a recap of the things I've done since arriving this weekend, much of it would revolve around food.

I felt the need to share that. As if this were some kind of "group therapy" or something. Which it isn't. Cause if it were...you people are not exactly doing a bang-up job on my mental "healthiness."

Yesterday after church I went to have Mexican food with my family cause I didn't want to hurt their feelings.

And then immediately left there and went to a fish fry at my best friends house, because again, I didn't want to hurt their feelings.

And then last night my cousin brought pizza to the house and I think someone said, "Melissa, you can't play Phase 10 and not eat pizza." And then I was like, "Oh yeah, I forgot about that rule." And so...you guessed it...I didn't want to hurt their feelings.

By the time all was said and done the Attorney General and I had feasted over 3,000 times on food from over 87 continents (I don't know if there even are 87 continents, but as you can see, I'm trying to drive a point home.) And I have to say...even over the Tex-Mex, and the pizza, and the Blue Bell and the Shipley's donuts - THE SHARK WON.

Yeah, you heard me right. Hands down. Grilled shark is where it's at. Grilled shark is supposedly a lean fish, very healthy, so I paired it with some fried hushpuppies, french fries and fried Mahi-Mahi. Because I believe in living a long life and watching your children grow up is completely over-rated.


Buddy and Nicolle had us over for this Fish Fry Frenzy and we had a great time. Now, let me tell you a little about B and N.

Their little story goes like this...

Nicolle has been my best friend since we were 7. I wish I had 80 friends just like her, but friends like her a few and far between. I could spend every minute with her and never get tired of talking or laughing. If it were -3 below zero outside and snowing but I really really needed her shirt - she would take it right off and hand it to me. That's just how she is.

Of course, let's not go overboard, I mean, she can't cook worth a dime. She's late everywhere she goes. She refuses to be dramatic or "over the top" about anything - even when I really, really need her to be. And still to this day whenever she goes underwater and comes back up, something is always hanging from her nose. Always. I've never seen anything like it. It's kind of a fascinating medical thing, I think.

Buddy and I lived together for 3 years when I was younger. (I got your attention now, don't I?) We really did, though. It wasn't anything romantic, though let's be honest, he probably desired that in a BIG way...but since I was, like, 12, and pretty much learning how to wear deoderent it really never went anywhere.

Buddy lived with my parents and I for a good portion of my teen years. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that one day he would marry my best friend. I mean, we used to sneak into his room and go through his underwear drawer and GROSS OUT at his choice in prints. Ahhh...good times.

But Buddy moved away and got married.
And Nicolle moved away and got married.

But then Buddy moved back home with a broken heart.
Right about the time that Nicolle moved back home with a broken heart.

And somehow, those two found each other, after all those years apart, after broken marriages and broken hearts...and now they look about as happy as two people could.

Sure between the two of them there are two broken marriages - but that makes their recent vows even all the more precious.

And sure between them are SEVEN children - but that just makes their home one of much laughter and hysterical chaos.

And I couldn't be happier. For either of them. Oh, their wedding was something. As I stood there, beside my best friend and "brother" I thought about how when Nicolle and I were 13 and we would gross out when he wouldn't put the seat down...or his immense amount of body hair...or roll our eyes at every new blond he would bring home...and now there he stood, holding her hand, making her promises, loving her kiddos as his own. It was sweet. Very sweet.

And there's nothing I like better than celebrating the love between a man and woman over an 18 pound Fry Daddy.

23 comments:

Shelley said...

Congrats to Buddy and Nicolle. Hopefully, it is a match made in heaven.

I'm with you on the eating thing. Every family event we have is centered around food. Like that's gonna make it easier to be around all the cheek pinchers and etc.

Tee hee.

Melissa said...

The fish sounds lip-smackalicious.

What an awesome story. Are ya'll still out of town?

Sue said...

Awh! I'm a sucker for sappy romance! Congrats to them and the seven (seven? holy crap!) kids!

Now the food thing... I also eat to keep from hurting people's feelings, but also because food is just plain yummy.

Anonymous said...

Gotta love the great friends - There's just something about knowing someone through all the phases of your life that can't compare to anything else.

And I'm seriously drooling over your food adventures. Yum.

last note: there's a little something for you at my blog today. :)

Heather said...

Jeez, now I need to go find my Fry Daddy. I love me some hushpuppies!

That is a sweet story, amidst all the gross nose droppings and hair and underwear details. Thanks for sharing (I think).

Heather W said...

What a sweet story! Congrats to your friend.

Sharon's Journey said...

I feel the love!

Anonymous said...

You left out some important details about Nicky - how she comes from this Crazy Cajun family; that her parents, Cliff and Karen, are so much fun to be around; that Buddy comes from a more "normal" family; that his parents, Paul and LaDelle are great people; how you injured yourself at their wedding; but, most of all, that the whole bunch of them are really awesome Christian people. I love and admire all of them.

Sharon

Anonymous said...

LOVE IT! Their story should be a movie! I love happy endings....

Lynda said...

The new Bradys? Love it!

Caution/Lisa said...

That rule about eating pizza while playing Phase 10 is totally right. It's right there in the instructions.

Ashley said...

It's amazing what a fry daddy can do, huh? :)

Sheri said...

Awww, what a great story!!

But, since I'm more all about puppy love . . . is Truman home yet?

And, the best stuff I ate while I was in Houston was at a place called Pappacito's. Whoa. Slurp. Worth a plane trip back for!

Rhonda said...

What an awesome story!! Some people are just meant to be together!

Anita J. said...

LOVE your blog! I linked here somehow. I wrote about Foot-Proppin' friends today, and here you are writing about your very best one.
I really enjoy your writing. Glad I found you!

Sherri said...

Congrats to the happy couple!!

B. said...

Such a sweet story! I love it!

Robin said...

How sweet to see that relationship grow and change through the years!! But I can't believe you picked shark, over Blue Bell!! I probably like it mainly because I can't get it where I live. I have to be on vacation somewhere to get that delicious creamy goodness!! Now you've made me sad, and I don't think Mayfield will live up to it. :) Enjoy your time in Texas.

Sissy said...

That really is a great story and you tell it so well. Thanks for sharing.

Rhea said...

Oh, I just loved that story. WONDERFUL!! Seven kids, man, oh, man. That must be quite a household. She sounds like a wonderful friend though...despite the boogerful swimming issue. ewww

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

Very sweet story! Seven kids, wow! I thought we were nuts blending our four.

Mrs4444 said...

Got an award for you... :)

Kimberly said...

Again with the fried foods! I am dying to go home to KY now and eat like a true Southerner. Oooh! Or maybe back to my NM home for some good ol'Mexican comida! Mmmm...
As for your friends...its so great to have people like that in this world! You are lucky.