In the words of Napoleon Dynamite …

by

… “I hope you guys’ experiences are … unforgettable.”

Roll out the fireworks and the corn dogs, kids, and please send your Jupiter-sized congratulations to two of my favorite people ever — Melissa and Mike — who are now ENGAGED!

They’re still working out a wedding date, but one thing I do know for certain is that I’ll eat more than anybody else at their reception.

Melissa is one of the sweetest and loveliest and funniest and most vibrant and most loyal people I’ve ever known in my life. And I’ve rarely encountered anybody as cool or as alive as Mike is — he’s absolutely hilarious and one of the most enthusiastic storytellers I’ve ever met. (Melissa, I apologize in advance for all the excitedly geeky conversations about kung fu and superheroes I’m going to have in your living room with your husband-to-be. And Mike, I don’t have to tell you that you hit the jackpot.)

Congratulations again, and much love, to both of you. Thank you guys for being you, and thanks for giving me another wedding I can attempt to ask Lauren Graham to be my date to. (The letter writing campaign begins today. Wish me luck!)

  • Melissa

    Thank you very much John for such an incredible ode. :) You’re the best.

  • Katy

    Congratulations, Melissa & Mike! I’d wish you a beautiful life together full of love, laughter, and all that good stuff, but Napoleon already nailed it. If John’s judgment means anything, and I think that it does, you guys have plenty of unforgettableness ahead of you.

    John, what a sweet tribute. Where were you when I got engaged? :) And good luck on your Lauren campaign. If you run out of creative sweet nothings, I’d be happy to help. I can be very persuasive, though it won’t be hard when you’re the prize. I’d have to trade you some of the thank you’s from when Caelyn was born, though. (Yeah, pathetic, I know.) There are 18 left. I wrote 220 before she got here. Which reminds me, Melissa, not to give unasked advice, but if I were you, I’d start out writing crappy thank you’s so people don’t expect too much down the road. :) Mucho congrats again!

  • Melissa

    HAHAHAHA! I will take any advice you can throw at me. :)

    Thank you!

  • Kristy

    I think that picture should be the official engagement photo. Awesome helmet! :)

  • Melissa

    This is Mike.

    Thank you so much for writing one of the coolest tributes ever. John, we will make sure that you are the first in line for the buffet at the wedding. Are there any request for food items?

    It was great to find out that Melissa has such good friends that wouldn’t mind talking about/seeing nerdy action and sci fi movies. See you around!