Thursday, October 2, 2008

Wonderfully Terrifying

It's been almost a year and I haven't met Mr. Wonderful's family. They're spread out around the country, he doesn't see them all that often, and when he does, sometimes it's just for a quick dinner or whatnot when someone's in town.

This is totally counter to me and my family. We all live within about 45 minutes of one another and see each other once a month at the very, very least. I talk to them all the time, spend every holiday in their company, and have only a 7-minute drive to end up on my sister or parents' doorsteps.

Given my relationship (and proximity) with my family, I've been dying to meet his. It's like this missing piece in his puzzle. I feel like I'll learn something new about him when I finally see him with his people.

Last week, he told me his dad wanted us to come visit and I was ecstatic. Then yesterday, he changed that to "grandma wants us to come visit when dad is in town." Town is St. Louis and in addition to Grandma, Mr. W's sister, brother-in-law, nieces, cousins, and aunt and uncle all live there. Friends, I seem to have hit the family jackpot.

I know it will be a stressful trip—bringing the girl home to meet the family. I'll undoubtedly be craving wine throughout the weekend. But I finally get to put his childhood pieces together! I'll get to hug his yaya (that's grandma in Greek) and see his adorable nieces in person. And maybe we'll come home having reached an even higher level of comfort and closeness.

I've never been to the Midwest. Anything I should know about?

18 comments:

Hannah said...

How wonderful to be meeting the family! I met all of Matty's family on the same day too. It was really great and kind of intimidating all at the same time.

I have never been to the Midwest either. But from what my friend tells me, if you are going to St. Louis do not; under any circumstance admit that you are a cubs fan.

Anonymous said...

Um, first of all, NO WAY. STL?! Of course you got visit after I leave it. It's weird; for YEARS, I wanted to leave, and when I left, I missed it. I still miss it. STL is a fun little town, good food, great hole-in-the wall bars that have great character. They might make you play washers. :P Have so so much fun. I miss that place. OH! Eat some toasted ravioli!

Melissa Maris said...

Hannah - Where I come from, Cubs are baby bears, so I don't think that'll be a problem. :P I'm hoping by the end of the weekend, the intimidation factor will be lower than when I arrived!

Variety - I know!! I totally thought of you when he said we were going. Toasted ravioli sounds so good! I'll try to try that.

Anonymous said...

I repeat what Hannah said. GO CARDS!! In this case, go Dodgers. I hate the Cubs.

Anonymous said...

Perhaps you should ask my good blogger friend Homer-Dog...

Anonymous said...

Very nice! I'm sure it will be great.

As for the MidWest, just don't mention California at all. Ever. You should be fine. (Ha ha)

Anonymous said...

Don't mention California; don't mention that you have to change your sheets so often; don't leave the pink bunny thong laying around, take your Beano, and make sure you take your sleeping bag and sleep on the couch, per mom's recommendation. Everything will be fine....

Nilsa S. said...

Yay for finally getting to meet the family!

I'm from St. Louis! Best town to raise a family (in my humble opinion, despite the fact I likely won't be raising my own family there).

I think Midwesterners tend to be really kind. And welcoming. And genuine. Just be yourself. Show why Mr. W fell in love with you. And in no time, they'll love you, too!

Anonymous said...

St. Louis... hmmm... maybe brush up on your gambling skills (riverboat casinos!) and Anheuser Busch trivia (they love Bud!)

Anonymous said...

I imagine you are going to be riddled with questions. Remember, after every answer say, "Well, that's how we do it in California."

I think you'll be the hit of the party.

Jenn Martinson said...

I interviewed for a job at Southwest Missouri State and they appear to unusually proud of their Bass Fishing Outlet.

Melissa Maris said...

Geekhiker - Oh does Homer Dog live in STL?

JustRun - Mr. W has lived out in CA for almost 14 years, so he's practically a native now. But I'll keep the LA talk to a minimum. :)

Sister - Great...I didn't even think about the need for Beano. I hope I don't have nervous stomach the whole time I'm there.

Nilsa - I didn't know you were from STL! Awe! Thanks for the kind words. I really hope they love me. :)

CharlotteHarris - That's right - they're bud drinkers. I guess I won't be ordering any Corona while I'm there.

Dingo - Maybe I'll get some Botox and lip injections before I go so that I really seem like a Californian. I'm sure they'd love that.

Coconutdiaries - I guess you gotta be proud of something, right? ;)

Anonymous said...

I've always been oddly curious about St. Louis. I think it stems from a long-time obsession with the Judy Garland musical "Meet Me in St. Louis". Ooh! YOu should watch that before you go! You know, since I'm sure people ride around on trolley cars singing about love there.

Anyway - yay! Good luck! I met all of Rob's family on the same day. That's one stepmom, his dad, his 6 brothers, their 6 wives, and all 23 of his nephews and nieces. Shudder.

Anonymous said...

ohhh...this will make for some good blogging when you get home!!! Other than bib sis' advice...which i agree with...the only thing i need to add is try not to stink up yaya's bathroom and you should be fine!!!

I love the midwest...Danny's brother, wife and girls live in Kansas City so we go there a couple times a year. we keep saying one of these times we'll go to St. Louis but haven't done it yet.

Have a great trip....maybe you should bring a long a camera crew because i'm sure the usual shenangans will be going on, regardless of the fact that you're with family.

Sosiesmama721 said...

Sounds like a blast. It will be like family overload though! Everyone at once. But it should be fun & like you said you'll get to see a whole other part of him. As for your sisters comments, she is hysterical. I think she needs her own blog!

Lara Watkins said...

Reading your post made me cry. I am so happy for you. I love you and miss you so much.

Sizzle said...

I haven't met any of The Fella's family and it's been over a year. Granted, they live on the East Coast but still...he's met my family. It matters! Hope the meet up goes well. :-)

Alysha said...

That's wonderful! The midwest is very midwest... Have fun! They'll love you of course.