28 Years later….

By gracefully50

Happy New Year!

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When I was a youngster, our family celebrated every New Year’s Eve by sitting around the living room, holding hands and our dad would begin a prayer a few minutes before midnight and pray thru into the new year.  pray togetherHis prayer was the same every year. He thanked God for the blessings of the previous year and prayed for his children for the year to come.  This tradition stopped when my siblings & I went off to college, but I will always be thankful for my parent’s unwavering prayers.

Hubby & I got married in May of 1984.  We celebrated our first New Year’s Eve as a married couple at a resort called Callaway Gardens.  As young newlyweds in our mid 20’s, we wanted to ring in the new year with a big bang!

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 “The Big Band Sound” was the theme at the Callaway Gardens.  What we didn’t know was that when we walked into the ballroom, we’d be the youngest couple there!  Everyone was …older.  I remember thinking that this wasn’t exactly what we had in mind.

Fast forward to 12/31/2012, 28 years later…  As we walked into the ballroom at the Callaway Gardens, we WERE the “older” crowd.  Felt like home! 🙂

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 While reminiscing, we noticed a young couple (newlyweds) sitting at the table next to us. As I watched the youngsters (no older than my kids) dance the night away with enviable energy, all I could think was the phrase “the circle of life.”  Before we left, we shared our story with the young couple and wished them many years of happiness. Who knows…  maybe they’ll return to celebrate their 28th anniversary here at the Gardens.

After the initial shock of that night 28 years ago, we ended up having a ball.  As for the last day of 2012?  We also had a ball, but with more appreciation for the life we’ve been blessed with.

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************

Now, a special thanks to a man who works at the ACE hardware store without whom, this night would not have been possible.

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You see, this dress, bought for this occasion a few weeks ago, had a security tag still left on it!  You know, the big black plastic thingy! I noticed it while getting ready for dinner.  Talk about panic!

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I screamed and said a few words that I cannot repeat.  After taking a few breaths, I called the store where I purchased the dress and explained how they FAILED to removed the tag!  “No, I cannot bring it back as I’m out of town, and NO, there aren’t any boutiques or stores nearby who can help me!

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As I was patiently speaking to the sales associate on the phone, she suggests using a magnet to separate the thingy.  Okay…hubby, I mean, Mr. MacGyver is by now fast at work, googling how to’s and looking for a magnet in the Villa we’re staying in.  A magnet???

Voila!  MacGyver to the rescue!  He finds the magnet inside the door of a TV cabinet.  Whoo hoo!

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Excitement short lived…it’s NOT working!  I called back the sales associate to tell her that the magnet did NOT work.  Any other suggestions?  She says, maybe a stronger magnet?  Maybe we can break it?  What??  That’s it?  Time’s a- ticking….gotta get ready for dinner & dancing!  I huff & puff and hang up the phone.  Meanwhile, hubby’s still trying to jiggle the thingy loose.  Not happening….then I heard a rip!  Hubby had stepped on the dress and tore the dress at the seam. NOOOOO!

Now, If I were a young 20 something gal, I would have lost it.  But, as a mature woman of age that I am, I calmly told hubby that I would not be going out tonight.  Yes, calmly. 😉

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Okay ~ so, with a white flag waving, I called the local ACE hardware store that I noticed as we drove into this very small town.  “Sure, we have magnets!”  I drove like a maniac with my dress in hand.  A nice gentleman found the biggest magnet they had and tried to loosen the thingy off the dress….nope, it wasn’t meant to be.  Noticing my anguish, the man took charge.  He pulled out a plier, grabbed the ugly, big, black, plastic thingy, and with a one big snap, he BROKE it!  Free at last!!

Gave the man a big hug, and we were on our way.

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 Oh, forgot to tell you, we had to stop at a Dollar General Store (where’s Walmart when you need one?) to pick up a sewing kit…remember the rip?

The moral of the story ~ NEVER leave the store with that big security thingy still on your purchase! 😀

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I hope you had a wonderful celebration ringing in 2013!

 Thank you for your support and friendship in 2012!

God bless!

Dress: BCBGMaxAzria   Jacket: Ann Taylor  Shoes: Pura Lopez (worn here)  Bag: Chanel
 
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97 thoughts on “28 Years later….”

  3. Such a lovely post my dear…. and I can so relate to the shift. When my husband and I first started going to his company parties… we felt oddly young among everyone else. It has on been recently that I have fully realized our shift at the table…. to, shall I say the other side. Happy to say…. I like this view just as much!

    Thank you so much for your lovely comments my dear…. each one a gift!

  6. First, the story about your 28th year return to Calloway’s Garden is amazing. And I LOVE the last picture of y’all – SO SWEET!

    Second, I LOVE the dress and talk about MAJOR Macgyver action going on! Luckily, you were so calm!! LOL! So glad everything turned out wonderful!

    xo, sam
    **Style of Sam**

  7. Hi,
    You story reminded me of one similar years ago, where I bought a pair of jeans at Lands’End at Sears and they forgot to remove the plastic tag. I just realized when I was going to put them on to go to NY to take a trip overseas!! I was demoralized, it was just jeans, but I took them with me in the luggage thinking of fixing it when we arrive. On the first stop of our trip I broke the thing using I don’t remember what, and a purple liquid stained the entire area!!! It was sad! I learned my lesson: since that day I don’t leave any store if I am not sure the attendance has removed the security tag.
    I love that you were able to enjoy your dress (beautiful, BTW) and your evening with your husband!
    Happy New Year!

    • Thank you!
      Oooh, sorry for your bad experience! I can imagine how upset you must have been!
      Believe me, I will not leave the store without making sure from now on either!!
      Happy New Year to you!

    • Alice, I have to confess….I was in a panic, and I did not handle the situation gracefully. Poor hubby took the blunt end of my frustration. Next time, there will be a back up dress!

  9. I soak up the joy that emanates from your blog each time I visit and read your wonderful stories. You are simply wonderful and I’m so happy that I’ve gotten to know you. Have a wonderful and joyous New Year!

    Elisa

  11. You look wonderful in your dress… Here’s wishing you blessings and bliss.
    Glad to reconnect with you this year…
    •.★♥★Happy New Year to You & Yours!★♥★.•
    Eliz

  13. Oh my gosh Jeannie, both stories are fantastic! I can just imagine the panic followed by a beautifully romantic evening. Your dress and shoes are beautiful and I’m so glad you persevered! Cheers to you and your hubby — here’s wishing many more romantic and comedic moments ahead!
    x Laura

    • Hi Laura!
      I couldn’t have made up a story like this even if I tried….it was really crazy. All that for a silly dress!
      We did have a wonderful evening so it was all worth it.
      Haha, romantic & comedic? I’ll take that! Makes life worth living.
      Happy New Year! Thanks for your friendship!

  15. You look gorgeous dear Jeannie and what a nightmare on your dress! Glad it worked out fine for you and that you managed to boogie the night away in that beautiful outfit. Here’s to more fashion adventures in 2013. Salut!

  16. Happy New Year! I’m reminded of the advertisements up this way for local Ace Hardware stores – “Ace is the place with the helpful hardware man”! Indeed! So very glad that worked out!

  17. LOL! That sounds like something that would happen to me! So glad you were able to get it off — couldnt have you start off the new year in tears! And what a sweet story about your family and your hubby! Happy New Year!

  18. Oh, my gosh, Jeannie! What a great story (now, after the fact, ha) for you and hubby to laugh about every New Year’s Eve. And the Ace Hardware Hero rescueing you from your fancy dancy party dress mishap is just too funny.
    Hope you do have a wonderful year ahead!

    • There has to be a better way to secure the garments from thieves….this tag thingy is a pain, especially if you have to drive a long way to take it back. I’ll have to come up with an idea so I can get rich and retire! Where did that come from? Sorry for rambling….

      Wishing you a SAFE and Healthy New Year! 😉

  22. Sounds like you have come full circle!
    Looks like a lovely evening and you were dressed gorgeously! (is that a word?)
    I have had that security tag thing happen to me twice, such a pain
    Brett

    • I don’t know if that’s a word, but I thank you so much!
      As long as I’m breathing, I will not come home with one of those tag thingy….ever! My one and only New Year’s resolution! 😉
      Happy New Year, Brett!

  23. Best New Year’s story EVER! Laughed my head off but here’s to the guy at the hardware store! I love those crazy moments…after the fact of course. (Hey my dog got so freaked out by the fireworks at midnight that she peed on the carpet so guess what i was doing at 12:05…. funny memory though). Hope this year is a fantabulous one for you!!!!

  24. Happy New Year Jeannie … what a situation to end the year on, but yippee for the hardware dude. I love stories of how the circle of life is sure to go around and around. I hope that 2013 is a wonderful year for you and its been wonderful to see your amazing style.

  25. I love this story so much! Returning to the gardens 28 years later, seeing the newlywed couple have a blast, ahhh totally made me tear up! & the security tag dilemma has definitely happened to me except it wasn’t quite as urgent and I just took it back to the store to have it removed – now if it happened during a night like this, I certainly would not have been as “calm” as you LOL i would have lost it!! Happy 2013, Jeannie! The dress looked amazing on you! xox

    • Thank you, Allison!
      Yes, I have such sweet memories of our family’s tradition. It’s too bad that when I was in college, I wanted to be with my friends more than my family. My parents understood….I wish I had spent more time with them…especially my mom.
      Enjoy your family! Happy New Year!

    • Thank you, Paula!
      I’m not the story teller as you are, but it was just too funny not to share.
      I would have been the only one dancing in jeans had it not worked out!
      You know?….that would have been a funnier story! 😀

  30. You look so gorgeous, I love the lace, I love the shoes! I know this is totally last minute but do you want to join Adrienne and me for How I Wear My: Black and White? The post goes up tomorrow (eek!) and we’d love to have you with us. You can send a picture to either of us if you have the time. Happy 2013 to you! XO, Jill

  31. Wow, such a touching story about being a young couple and then returning and seeing that other young couple . . . . your dress is stunning and the shoes, truly “to die for”! It’s lucky your security tag wasn’t one of those inky ones that get all over the dress when you don’t remove it with the correct equipment. As many times as that has happened to me, I still never seem to be able to catch them all. It is frustrating how often that happens in spite of one’s most vigilant efforts.

    Happy New Year.

    • Thank you!! I was surprised as to how comfortable the shoes were….must have danced in them for at least three hours! 😀

      Oh, I know! I’ve heard of the ink tags. I did ask the sales associate if mine had the ink and she said no. Thank goodness! I will not leave the store until I check them from now on. No siree!

      Happy & Healthy New Year to you!

  32. I so enjoyed both of your stories and now I want to find a place with big band music next year! I think it is important that we share moments like this with the younger generation and encourage them along. Your dad beginning each year in prayer is also inspirational….but THOSE SHOES ARE AMAZING!!! Love them!

    • Thank you so much, Pam!
      There are so many events geared toward younger crowd but not many for us mature folks. It’s a shame.
      I hope you can find a place with big band music next year….SO much fun!
      May God bless you & yours abundantly in 2013!

  35. Oh dear! We both live in Georiga….My daughter is a manager at a local dress shop and recently told a story very similar to yours….Coincidence? *GRIN*

    You look lovely in your dress! I’m glad you were able to get it removed.

    Happy New Year!

    • Thank you, Josep!
      Life’s unexpected funny moments! I don’t think I handled it with much grace but at least I know now to always pack an extra dress! I will ALWAYS make sure the tag is off from now on!
      Happy & Healthy New Year to you! Thank you so much for your support in 2012!

  38. Oh wow, what a story !! I love the shoes you wore with your dress.I am so glad you were able to get that thing off. I walked out with one before…( so I think on a pair of pants )..but thankfully I was there to still get it off. Glad everything worked out : )

    • Yeah! Tell me about it! 🙂
      I’m glad, too b/c 1. We would have stayed in and watched the ball drop on TV. 2. Go to the event in jeans and pray they don’t throw me out! Neither choices was too appealing. It all worked out, and we had a ball!
      Happy New Year, Bre!

  39. I can’t help but chuckle at your story! Its kind of funny in retrospect, isn’t it? I’m really glad you shared it….including your responses, because that would have been the way I responded to the situation too. Your dress is lovely. Worth all the frustration, right?
    BTW…you still look like newlyweds.
    Jeannie, I’m going to have to post a fashion shot of one of my friends soon; she has marvelous style and she looks a lot like you!

    • Hi Lisa,
      It worked out so I can laugh about it now. 🙂 Although, I will always pack a back up from now on.
      I would love to see your friend! They say we all have a twin somewhere in this world. Maybe your friend is my twin?
      Happy New Year!

      • I think she is your twin. She is going to let me do a post about her soon….so you will get to see your twin!

        I’m glad the dress situation did work out and it is a good idea to always pack a back up. You have inspired me to make sure I take two ballroom dresses to my comps because you never know!

  40. The plastic thingy just added more excitment to the evening, more memories to tell the grandkids. You look 28! My hubby and I fit right in with such a crowd, we love the big band era music. Blessings for the coming year.

    • Judy, I do not need excitement of that sort at my age! I’m sure I have a few more grays b/c of it.
      I love the big band sound, too! Oldies but goodies! :
      Wishing you a fabulous 2013!

  41. Such a deal – and such a bold move by that “Ace is the place w/ the helpful hardware man!”!!! Confession: I literally threw out a shirt that didn’t get detagged … I’m very grateful u were able to save ur pretty dress!

    • LOL! That’s actually a perfect phrase!! He sure was helpful! 🙂
      I think he thought I was going to cry….I mentioned breaking the thing and he just took over from there. Nice man!
      Those tags are very tricky. I found out some have ink in them. Thank goodness mine didn’t.
      Btw, I like your name!

  42. I love this post!
    Happy New Year!!!
    Your dad’s tradition is so lovely.
    You are NOT the older crowd fyi and those shoes are KILLER GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!
    Hope you are still at the resort and relaxing after such an adventurous New Year’s Eve (love a happy ending re the dress by the by).
    xo reversecommuter

    • Thank you!!!
      I wish I were still there relaxing but back to work for me. 😦
      We definitely could not keep up with the younger peeps that night but had fun trying!
      Happy New Year to you!

  45. I just love this;;) We were married in 1982.. can’t believe it. I am so glad you got to go back and experience this. It’s comforting isn’t it? ..and it’s okay to be where we’re at.. gray hair in all! I feel blessed to have made it this far and to see my kids starting their lives and growing older with the love of my life. So wonderful to see a happy couple..28 years later. Good for you guys:)
    Wishing you both a happy and healthy 2013!

    Cheers!

    xxleslie

    • You are absolutely right!
      It was such a wonderful night! There was a couple celebrating their 51st Anniversary that night! Talk about a sweet couple!
      Maybe we’ll return on our 50th….if we live that long. 🙂
      Happy New Year, Leslie!

  46. Great outfit and great stories! You look radiant and ready for 2013. Those shoes are gorgeous…as is the dress.

    • Thank you, Heather!
      I’m not a very good story teller, but I just had to get it out. It was like someone was playing a joke on me. Ask me about the hunt for a pantyhose! Crazy night, I tell ya!

      Happy New Year to you & yours!

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