Unwritten: Diary of a Lean Green Plumber

Good Feelings

16 March 2004

Brooklyn, NY

Dear Diary,

The community pool helped host Jas's seventh birthday party. And as Jas gets older, she looks more and more like her dad. She's also picked up Julian's outgoing personality and love of exercise, but that doesn't stop her from eating sweets!

I put on my swimsuit, plunged into the pool and helped organize games with the kids. Someone started a splashing war, but it ended when we accidentally splashed a lifeguard. Parents accompanied their kids, of course, checking periodically for "prune fingers". And once we all had our fill of swimming and playing water-based games, we dried ourselves off, dressed back in our regular clothes and ate—wraps. There were ham-and-cheese, turkey and Swiss and vegetarian wraps. To wash it down, the guests could choose between fruit punch and soda. And to cap off the celebration—a big cake lit by a candle shaped like the number 7.

In other news, preparations for Roland and Grace's wedding are underway. The pair have settled for a traditional ceremony in a church, followed by a casual reception in the park. Nothing splashy—they had better things to do with their money. Now that's thinking green.

Time to write my monthly letter to Prince Peasley!

Luigi

28 June 2004

Los Angeles, CA

Dear Diary,

Today was Grace and Roland's special day! Mario and I got to sit in the first pew, alongside Professor Gadd, the bride's mom, Brigitte, and a slew of the bride's childhood friends. Greg, in a show of goodwill, was the best man, and Becky was the maid of honor.

Roland stood at the altar, clad in a navy tuxedo with a pinstripe tie, forgoing the customary flower on his lapel in favor of a Shine Sprite replica. His curly red hair was perfectly coiffed, and the way it framed his face—holy ravioli. Grace was one lucky gal!

"Here Comes the Bride" began to play on the church organ, and we all stood as Grace walked through the chapel doors in a sleek, white wedding gown. No frills or puffy skirts or poufy sleeves—just a sleeveless, simple, yet elegant gown and silver wedge heels. A bouquet of sunflowers was clasped in her hands as her dad, Niels, walked her down the aisle. He wore a white shirt, gray vest, gray tie, gray blazer and gray slacks, and was clearly fighting back tears.

Grace's auburn hair was in a loose ponytail, secured by a white ribbon. A moderate amount of makeup accentuated her face, but her freckles were still visible. When she reached the altar, she smiled at her groom, and he smiled back.

"Who gives this woman to be wed?" asked the priest.

"I do," said the proud papa. "Niels Larssen." He kissed Grace on the cheek and—quite reluctantly—let her go to join her husband-to-be.

"Take care of her," he beseeched his soon-to-be son-in-law.

"I will," Roland promised.

Thankfully, there were no objections or hiccups. The bride and groom exchanged traditional vows. Grace gave Roland her grandfather's ring, and Roland gave Grace his great-great grandmother's ring. The priest pronounced them man and wife, and the two shared a deep, hot kiss, to cheers from the congregation.