December 16, 2007

Mambo Santa Mambo!

When Jorj and I became engaged, the first decision we made was where and when we would hold the wedding. Where was most important to Jorj, and we were married in a Quaker ceremony at Central Philadelphia Meeting. When was most important to me, and we were married twelve years ago today.

The wedding was full of Christmas touches: my maid of honor wore dark green; the table arrangements were evergreens; the music played while everyone entered the meetinghouse was an acoustic guitar playing Silent Night; it even snowed! Additionally, I had many ideas of how I would break traditions and have a "better" wedding: no garter or bouquet toss (most everyone was married already), black and white photos, few posed photos, no cake smashing, no "Daddy's Little Girl," and no stupid stand in a circle and sway dancing. We would learn to swing dance and fox trot, and Jorj and I would dance to Glen Miller's "In the Mood."

We had to practice, of course. I fox-trotted over the raised floor of the computer lab (step-step-sliiiiide-sliiiiide). We would swing in out tiny living room between the sofa, computer desks and kitchen table. We practiced to the Count Basie Orchestra. "One O'Clock Jump" was a particular favorite, and its follow-up, "Five O'Clock in the Morning."

As we got closer to Christmas, and even the Count started to wear on us, we pulled out a CD compilation called Rockin' Little Christmas. Admittedly, this was my idea; what's Christmas without Christmas music? Swing just requires a four-four beat, and this gem of an album was full of them. To this day, my favorite is "Mambo Santa Mambo," a song I've heard no where else. When it comes on, Jorj and I will still grasp hands, make a frame, and swing.