Alive and Well

[DanAndChed]

Hello to all,

Well it's been almost a year since me and Mares got Married.  Some of you may remember us.  I haven't posted much lately, I seem to spend every free moment with Mares.  To summerize the last year, things have turned out better than I ever imagined.  I'm certanly the happiest man alive:-)

Mares has had a job, started driving and just spent most of the last year adjusting and loving me.  The kids and her get along great.  My daughter enjoys having another woman to talk too.  

In just two weeks Mares goes back to the Philippines and begins preparation for our formal church wedding.  Me and the kids will follow on 19 Jun.  If anyone will be in Negros at that time your more than welcome to attend.  Getting a church wedding has been an adventure in itself.  I went to all the RICA classes and filed paperwork with the church to clear up the matter of my previous marriage.  According to the church my ex and me were never officially married, since she was previously married.  Well 6 months latter no word about the case and approval from the church.  Fortunately, the church in the philippines is on board to marry us.

Well be spending three weeks total.  Mainly in Negros, and Borcay.  I'll send pictures and try to give an accounting of my second trip.  I'm really interested in how the family reacts.  All the members I'v met in the states are great people.  The family in Negros really interigated me last time.  This time, I just hope we'll party and enjoy each others friendship.

Take care,

Dan and Mares

[Ray]

... in response to Alive and Well, posted by DanAndChed on May 19, 2001

Dan & Mares,

It’s really good to hear from you guys and I’m glad things are working out so well. Are you having the traditional wedding with the veil, cord, candles, etc? Mine was a great experience and a lot of fun too. The worst part was standing there in the church for over an hour after the ceremony, posing for the photographer.

You mentioned the concern about how the family will react this time, after a year. Yeah, I remember your story of the “inquisition” vividly (LOL). If they are very Catholic, some of them may treat you a little differently until after the wedding ceremony, but I wouldn’t worry about it though. I was thinking of my wife’s cousin who married here in the States in a civil ceremony and then returned 2 years later for a formal church wedding in the Phils. It was kind of funny because some of the more conservative family members didn’t consider them really married until it was done in the church. She and her husband of 2 years were expected to sleep apart and be chaperoned for the 2 weeks until the wedding ceremony. He said it was a pain in the a** but put up with it to keep peace in the family. But he did do a lot of drinking with the brothers and uncles while he was waiting for the wedding. I guess the drinking “contests” are a Visayan guy thing.

I don’t know if you are familiar with any of the superstitions surrounding the traditional Filipino wedding, but here’s a few tips:
1. Don’t be upset if it rains on your wedding day, that’s good luck.
2. If someone breaks something during the wedding, that’s good luck also.
3. Don’t let Mares step on your foot when she walks up to the altar. If she does, be sure to step on her foot to cancel the “spell”.
4. Don’t sit down before the bride during the ceremony.

Again, thanks for the update and I hope you two have a perfect wedding.

Ray

[Dave H2O]

... in response to Alive and Well, posted by DanAndChed on May 19, 2001

Hi Dan and Mares,

Congratulations! I am happy to hear things are going well. Have a great trip and wonderful "formal" church wedding.

Please don't get Bear started again on who is the "Happiest, Luckiest..." thing. ;o))

Dave "Certified World's Happiest and Luckiest Man " H. ;o)))

[Bear]

... in response to Sounds Great!, posted by Dave H2O on May 19, 2001

Its me!!!!

Welcome back Dan.

Bear