12/11/2005 Entry: "jersey nuptials - the full story"
Let me back up and spend a little more time describing our adventures yesterday on Mike and Shana's wedding day. Our visit was a short one, so we tried to fill the days completely and take advantage of being in the Atlantic City area. We started the day off by meeting Debbie, Drew, Sharon, and Amanda for breakfast around 9:00. Of course, with our travel alarm aka Rachel, we were up much earlier. However, Drew was insistent that he needed a day to "sleep in". I'm not sure why a ten year old is so concerned with extra sleep. Of course, I remember my desire to stay up late while the adults continued to talk when I was that age. It was incredibly difficult to keep my eyes open at 10:00 pm back in those days (and can be pretty hard these days, too). Inevitably, I would sleep half the day to make up for that extra hour I stayed up desperately trying to play the role of a "grownup". The Seaview's breakfast was good; I was taken with the Cornbeef Hash in particular. I can remember my great-grandmother serving it to me when I was little. After emigrating from Germany, she and my great-grandfather spent their early years in New Jersey before moving into Wichita Falls, Texas. Now and again, I try to find the hash I remember as a kid at various restaurants located in Texas. I'm never been very successful though. I think you have to head to the northeast to find the real thing. Cousin Gary met us at the hotel, and we headed out to his place along the shore. It is a darling little yellow house along one of the streets winding their way to the shoreline. He and Robin have been working on redecorating and have managed to create a charming little home where they can seek respite from the humid New Jersey summers. I was struck by the stained glass window at the top eave of the house. Perhaps it is my love of the sea and sea life that drew me in or perhaps it is the fact that my father and uncle loved to create stained glass. Either way, I'm sure I won't forget it. When you look at the Boardwalk pictures, you'll find a snapshot near the front of the list.[Editor's Note:] And this is where the entry sat until today. Rachel was getting slightly fussy on the flight and Becky needed my help in keeping her happy. The last thing we wanted was a screaming baby on the MD-80 with nowhere to escape. Our little jelly bean turned out to be a great flyer. Overall she seemed to settle right in and just enjoy the flights.
Cruising at 30,000 feet headed back to Dallas from our wonderful weekend along the New Jersey shore. It was wonderful to congregate with the Jersey contingent once again. Mike and Shana's wedding was beautiful and the reception afterward was exceptional. We are ready for the next fete.
Becky fed Rachel, and we had a short talk with Gary. The three sisters, Debbie, Sharon, and Becky, knew we didn't have long to spend along the Boardwalk in order to arrive back at the hotel in time to prepare for the wedding. We rushed down to the Atlantic City to try and at least get a feel for the sights and sounds of the Boardwalk in the spare hour or two we had left that afternoon.
We weren't aware of it ahead of time, but this day was also the Puerto Rican Pride Parade for Atlantic City down the boardwalk. Since we were only able to snatch a moment along the famous lumber causeway, I think our view might be a little skewed by the presentation of the parade. While it was quite a site to view, I'm not so sure it represents your typical Sunday afternoon along the shore in Atlantic City.
The marching bands were bass thumping Latin rhythms and the floats were lowriders, gull-wing doors, and other tricked out cars and bikes - both motorized and pedal-powered. The participants were enthusiastically showing off for the crowd. Their vehicles proudly decorated with the Puerto Rican flag and colors. The parade was completed by a queen demonstrating her smoothest parade wave from the sunroof of another mechanical masterpiece in the line of iron steeds.
After about an hour, Becky reminded us of the long walk we had back to our minivan. We decided it was best to start the journey back to the cars on the street side in order to make better time. For some reason, it seemed much further back to the car than it did walking the other direction on the Boardwalk. We would soon find out that Becky's concern was legitimate.
On the drive back to the Seaview, traffic began to slow on the Expressway. From behind us, emergency vehicles weaved their way past toward an accident. We could still see the flashing lights at a location up ahead. We were concerned about the time we were losing, but panic hadn't set in yet. After all, the wreck was close enough we could see the lights on the trucks. We knew we'd have to clear the accident soon.
You know you are in a traffic nightmare when you suddenly find your self staring at a police officer on a motorcycle moving toward you - the wrong direction on the highway - with a string of cars behind him. The smash up was intense enough that they reversed traffic on the Expressway and pointed everyone back into Atlantic City. When following the impromptu turnaround the officers had setup, we passed the wreckage. Our brief glimpse was enough to understand why they'd brought traffic to a halt. Neither skeleton of a vehicle appeared much like a car anymore.
Traffic reversed itself and crawled back into Atlantic City. By this point, panic was beginning to set it. We were unfamiliar with the area and weren't sure of an alternative route back to the hotel. Rachel was screaming and inconsolable in the back of the vehicle as her little tummy rumbled with hunger - the frosting on our escalating anxiety cupcake.
Becky was driving the minivan and trying to determine our best choices for getting back out of Atlantic City; first we had to make it back so we could pick another route. Debbie was in the passenger seat calling the hotel and working with the front desk help with the navigation. I was sitting in the backseat with her trying desperately to calm the storm formally known as Rachel. Sharon was sitting on the "way-back" seat with Drew and Amanda. She may have had the toughest job - trying to assuage Amanda and Drew's constant questions and "helpful" comments about the situation. Since they had no real understanding of the situation, I don't think they realized how their incessant chatting was a slow-building cacophony to the adults.
We pulled into the drive in front of the hotel with 40 minutes to dash to the room, feed Rachel, and try to clean up a little bit before the ceremony began. It was a nightmare gameshow event - Can you Beat the Clock? Frankly, the remainder of our preparations was a blur. After the mad scramble to transform from Boardwalk tourist to wedding guest, we managed to move at hyperspeed and arrive on time.
Having been part of the Brenner-Kushner family now for over 12 years, I've attend several interfaith marriages and Bat Mitzvahs. I had never attended a more traditional Jewish wedding ceremony, though. It was a touching, beautiful ceremony filled with tradition. [Editors Note:] I stole text for the traditions link from Mike and Shana's wedding program. The cantor also read from notes she had Shana and Mike prepare in advance talking about their love and each other. The love was apparent in the words and stories they selected. Becky and I are so happy we were able to attend with the rest of the family.
After the marriage was declared, we move on to the reception area and waited for the announcement of the new bride and groom. The wedding party came was announced over the Rutgers' fight song in honor of Mike's fanaticism for his revered Scarlet Knights. It was a nice touch and something I think everyone will always remember.
After the initial introductions and the Hava Nagila, we sat down to a wonderful 5 course meal. The food was delectable; each subsequent course better than the previous. We continued to comment course after course what great choices were made. Of course, I think we enjoyed the wedding cake and desserts the best!
Not long after we finished eating, Rachel decided it was getting close to time to roll up the carpet. She had done remarkably well so far considering the severe interruption to her routine. So, when she became fussy and was visibly exhausted, we decided it was best for us to give up on our party aspirations and retire back to the room so she could get some rest. Ah, yet another adjustment of parenthood.
All in all, the New Jersey trip and the wedding was one of the best trips we've taken in a long time - albeit a whirlwind one. I guess the most important question is - What is the next big event where we get a chance to all get together?
