Wednesday, June 20, 2007

a true story

by Laura Roberts

Once upon a time there was a girl named Laura. She lived in a cool southern town and was an American, verily, but did not act like a jerk-face like some Americans. She had a good friend named Christine who, in her inimitable manner, fell in love with a dude in a very peculiar way. This dude was very tall, which was good since Christine was in truth rather bizarrely tall herself, and said dude was also Australian which was also good, Australia being no longer peopled with criminals but rather with hotties. This dude's name was Mike, by the way. Christine and Mike decided to get married in Germany, the better to divvy up the whole experience to as many continents as possible, and they picked a day in high freaking summer tourist season. Laura was extremely excited to escape the Louisville heat and humidity for a little bit and share in the joy of her friends' wedding day, because they were so stinking awesome. So she went online to get a plane ticket, and lo, it was US$1400.

"Holy crap," she said. "But no worries, for I have frequent flyer miles in abundance from sundry trips to Europe and Hong Kong." So she called United and spoke to a very lovely woman on the phone, who told her how many frequent flyer miles she possessed, and lo, it was nearly 50,000.

"Victory!" said Laura. "I am a bit short, but still I shall reserve my plane ticket this very day." So she went to the United website to exchange her miles for a plane ticket, when what to her wondering eyes should appear, but a cost chart for the purchase of frequent flyer miles. Dismay and anguish flooded over her as she saw that, to purchase the additional necessary frequent flyer miles would cost her US$1100, nearly the cost of the ticket to begin with. And behold, there was much cursing of United.

"Piss and bollocks," mildly swore Laura, "That is more money than I make in a month." But, undaunted, she waited, checking prices periodically, looking at last-minute deals, and even scoping out those dodgy cut-rate consolidation companies. Even still, it became increasingly clear that adding to her already large-ish debt would not be either a wise or godly choice, nor allow for a particularly good wedding present for her friends. So she sadly resigned herself to watching the webcast of her friends' wedding, still praying for a lottery win that would allow her to fly first class to Germany, but not holding her breath.

But looking through tearful eyes toward the future, she began plotting to set aside a bit of money each month until she could afford the obnoxiously high plane ticket price to Australia to visit the above-mentioned couple, in whose joy she can share only from afar.

19 comments:

Taz said...

*snif*

The joy! The sorrow! The *passion*!!!

Although many people can't make it, wishing you all of God's blessings for your wedding guys - I'm sure it will be fantastic!

-
(My blog has returned - check it out!)

Laura said...

Weird... you're going to be married in a matter of days now. With a husband and everything...

Jonny said...

Yes... but remember that Christine was perfectly happy and content being single, and does not need a husband to complete her. lol

mike said...

And then she met me...

mike said...

with my crazy grin and upside down face. Maybe I should change that profile pic.

Jonny said...

Yes that is a bad pic. Look at mine for insperation.

Jonny said...

I wonder if... like when Mike and Christine get married, they just have one blog together. You know, like two as one. Or will they go the independent route?

My parents do everything together. Same bank account, same e-mail address, same car. But to be honest, my Dad is more creative on his own.

Laura said...

Jonny, I have wondered the same thing. What should the title be? I suggest mikstine.blogspot.com: adventures in matrimony.

Laura said...

Can I just say how much I'd rather be THERE than here right now? It's like an oven crossed with a swimming pool -- a thousand degrees and almost foggy, argh!

Jonny said...

Your not allowed to do double posts. Its not your blog.

Its 5 degrees C here.

january said...

Waaahh! I wish I could be there. Stupid peak travel season ticket prices! I guess I will have to visit the Jollys in Australia too.

May God turn His face toward the both of you and give you peace on your wedding day and beyond!

Laura said...

Happy Wedding Day!

Anonymous said...

Wedding report (from Christine's mom):
It happened! The world now has a Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jolly! Christine was beautiful and Mike was handsome. Christine had the whole congregation in tears during the ceremony when she returned her "True Love" ring to her father, saying that she had kept the covenant to keep herself pure for her husband-to-be, and then her father presented the ring to Michael, and challenged him to raise sons and daughters with a high view of marriage.
Incredible, international fun was had by all following the ceremony.

Anonymous said...

Video of Jewish Dance at the wedding: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hfAyeotrtk

Anonymous said...

COngrats Christine!!! I am so happy for you guys!! Yay for weddings and marriage!! I can't wait to see pictures
Kristin P

Anonymous said...

When are you coming back?! I'm tired of this story! :^)
--Karen

Jonny said...

"And they lived happily ever after". That's it. The end of story. No more blog.

Laura said...

This is easily the longest time you've ever gone without blogging.

GloryandGrace said...

Someone hasn't bloggedy-blogged in awhile... :)