Less than three hours until the reception. Less than two hours until I leave. I’m thinking I’m departing between 5:30 and 5:45 to make sure I’m there in plenty of time.

I’m so happy for Brittany and Zach. I never would have dreamed when I first met Brittany two nights after Christmas in 2013 that something like this would blossom. She was so much different than any of the other ladies who work or have worked at Buffalo Wild Wings. She was so warm, so friendly, even to those she had never seen before. The second time she saw me, she greeted me like I was a regular. Even Liz did not warm up to me that quickly.

I’m so glad Brittany and I have developed a bond. It will keep me coming back to Kansas City, even though Lisa has already left for Chicago, and LIz will soon be moving to Colorado Springs. If I quit coming, I’m sure Brittany (and Zach) would never let me hear the end of it.

I don’t have many male friends. Especially male friends close to my age. The only one I can think of is Sean Spoonts, Russell High School’s athletic director, who is the same age as me. Larry Bernard, Russell High’s principal, is 62. I hope to grow closer to Zach in the coming weeks, months and years.

I’m hoping one day Brittany and Zach will grace my parents and I with their presence in Russell. I would love nothing more than to introduce one of my closest friends and someone I hope will become one of my closest friends to my friends in western Kansas. I also would love for Brittany to meet Crista. She’s a big reason why I’m coming instead of declining the invitation.

Well, nothing more left to do than round up everything and drive down.