I’m less than six hours away from leaving my hotel room and heading to downtown St. Joseph for the big reception. Brittany and Zach are tying the knot this evening. I’m so happy for both of them. They truly love one another, and Brittany always talks about him in such glowing terms. However, I don’t think it’s an act. If it’s true that true love conquers all, Brittany and Zach will be conquering quite a bit together.

My first wedding reception in almost 16 years. The good news is I will know more people at this reception than I did at the first two weddings/receptions I attended combined. Many of the ladies from Buffalo Wild Wings will be there. Lisa is in the wedding, Tori will be the bartender at the reception, and Alex, Raymie, Shannon, Molly, Casey, Lindsey McClain and so many others will be there. I’m disappointed Liz isn’t coming, but she told me it would be okay. I promised Liz I’d get her a piece of cake.

At Adam Young’s wedding in 1997, the only others there I knew besides the groom were Michael and Robin Bonnette, and Lee Feinswog. There weren’t as many people at Bill and Yvette Franques’ wedding in 1999 as I thought there would be. The only ones there I knew besides the bride and groom were Dan Canevari, who was in Bill’s wedding part; Mike “Bones” Boniol, an equipment manager for the LSU baseball team; and Amanda Fornea, who helped out around the office. Scooter Hobbs, the longtime LSU beat writer from the Lake Charles American Press, showed up at the reception. Herb Vincent showed up at the reception, but by that time, I was on my way back to Baton Rouge.

It’s better that I’m not bringing a date. It will allow me to capture the memories, which will be far more important than a date. I would have invited someone I know from western Kansas, but that would have meant a hotel room and all kinds of hassle. No, I’m better off this way.

I’m glad this reception is indoors. It is terrible outside. 88 degrees (31 Celsius) and 67 percent humidity adds up to a heat index o 97 (36 Celsius). OUCH. Reminds me of Louisiana. I feel for any poor people who have to get all dressed up for an outdoor wedding today. I’m NOT getting dressed up for the reception. First, I don’t have any dress clothes to fit me. Second, I didn’t want to travel all that way with the clothes. Therefore, I’m going to look like Panama Jack. Or Panama Foots.

Still have to get ready. Lucky for me, I can be ready to go in 15 minutes. No hair to worry about, that’s for sure.