Archive for October 12th, 2006

Sorry Ladies, Show’s Over

Well the day has finally come, as we knew it would. Our beloved Peter Tam Von Tobel has pulled the trigger, and in very "Pete" fashion. The photo says more than the email. He's blessed the posting of both for your edification:

pete_and_heather1.jpg

Dateline: Phoenix, AZ
October 11, 2006
Subject: Moving on…

Moving on… to the married life that is. Wanted to let everyone know that I’m engaged :)

Here’s a quick rendition of how it went down. Then check out the pictures (only one attached at mp.com) that are attached.

I don't know if you guys have watched the most recent version of the movie Pride and Prejudice, but I pulled out a page from that script. Heather (my girlfriend) was home with her family in Fort Wayne because she had a week off for fall break. One of her younger sisters is getting married over thanksgiving – so they were doing a lot of planning/showers. Anyway – I flew into Indy late Sunday night, drove up to Fort Wayne on Monday afternoon, and surprised Heather during the family dinner. Her mom and dad were in on it… here's how it played out. Nate (sister's fiancé) and I snuck into the house… in costume; Nate was an 1800′s dickens era butler with white tights and a fancy white wig and I was a normal dickens era gentleman of higher class with a big top hat. Halfway through the dinner, Nate came out of the dark and slowly walked up to the family (there was some extended family and friends as well) dinner table in front of everyone, cleared his voice to get every one's attention, introduced me as Mr. Von Tobel, and gave a subtle bow. After a couple seconds, I made my grand appearance (remember, I live in phoenix and I typically don't dress in tights, capri-like pants, a tailed sport coat, a little white puffy neck scarf, and a top hat… so I kind of shocked the crap out of everyone). Anyway (similar to the movie), I said "I know that this is all very untoward, but I would like to request the privilege of speaking to Miss Heather". Though everyone was pretty much a deer in front of headlights, Heather's dad accomplished his duty of clearing everyone from the room. In Pride and Prejudice (favorite movie of the girls), I just really liked the idea that a guy would walk into a room, asked to speak privately to a certain daughter, and EVERYONE ELSE left the room… instead of the two of them just going elsewhere. It's just how they did… and I liked it… and I wanted to respect our forefathers. The rest is history. I ask Heather to marry me; she actually said yes.

Just wanted to let you know… feel free to pass this email along if you think anyone would like to know

Pete

DDR Master

Whether you know, care, own, despise, or even pray to Dance Dance Revolution (DDR), you must admit that this guy has some moves. For those of you that don't know, DDR is a video game that calls out dance steps and the player must properly perform them on a "power pad" (yeah 8-bit Nintendo) -style mat.

I’m Back … Again … I Mean Again, Again

60,080ish. That's the end mileage. The Accord is a trusty steed; too bad it doesn't work better on an empty stomach. In fact, it required much combustible fuel over the 68 days of tripping. Fortunately, the car averaged 29.8 miles per gallon, with a maximum of 33.3 mpg (dry arizona air) and a minimum of 25.5 mpg (California PCH) … not that I'm keeping track.

I'm glad to be back. Life is more relaxed when working from a home base. I enjoyed the realization that I would be returning home to enjoy a dinner (after picking it up from Yat's). The concept of having a key, a bed, and a washing machine available at any time is quite comforting. And yes, apparently I really have a thing for my washer/dryer combo.

So, in any regards, I'm back again again (from Africa, from Seattle, from the road trip). Good times behind. Good times ahead. Heck, good times right now.