I did not have a running companion this morning, so it was back to the normal, slow pace that you might expect of a 68-year old retiree. It was day #3899 of “The Streak” that took me along the San Francisco Bay waterfront. I saw lots of SF Giants hats since it’s “Game Day” in addition to being my step-daughter’s wedding day. My wife walked behind me and stopped to talk to a group of women in pink shirts declaring “we’re with the mother of the bride.” She high-fived the lady wearing “I’m the mother of the bride” shirt, and chatted about their big day by the Bay. “I’m the Step-father of the bride” wouldn’t even fit on the front. In that role, I didn’t do anything to embarrass myself during yesterday’s pre-nuptial events. Although I did have my share of wine. I’m used to being an “out-law” in my wife’s family. 

The bride to be was unavoidably a bit tipsy, while everyone urged her to go home and sleep it off so she could remember her vows and enjoy the day. My wife and I weren’t into the food truck scene, and eventually slipped away for dinner at Tarantino’s on Pier 39. We were both exhausted from recent travel and restless sleep. It was fun to see everyone that came together from all over the country to celebrate. Former neighbors, co-workers, and classmates joined relatives to make the day special. “In-laws” and “out-laws” unite. I tried not to let it all interfere with a big day of sports that saw the Sox lose, Cubs lose, rival Cardinals win, Ducks lose, and I.U. wins – only one victory out of five for my teams. Next week the Bears and Colts will enter into my mix of bad-news favorites.

The wedding is today at 5:15, but we’ll head to the historic Presidio site mid-afternoon to set-up for the reception that will follow. I will resume my role as “Step-Father of the Bride,” and probably drink some more wine while shaking hands and kissing babies. All I’ve done to deserve this dubious honor is to marry the “mother of the bride.” I did spend some time talking to the “step-mother of the bride,” who shares a similar awkward capacity. Tonight will be filled with toasts, roasts, tears, and hugs before the dancing begins. Tomorrow is a farewell brunch, as we send the newlyweds off to Hawaii for a Marriott Vacation Club 10-day honeymoon. It will then be one wedding down and one more to go in two short months, along with a second chance to improve on my skills as “Step-Father of the Bride.” No miss-steps allowed!