Jim “Dr. Tox” and Lucy “Songbird” Bourland
Mother and Father of the hot tamale I call Katie. Lucy first caught the eye/ear of her man while performing in a touring choir, and today is arguably the world’s best music teacher. Her hunky hubby, Jim, was a formidable football and wrestling star who later fine tuned his higher faculties by becoming a leader in the world of toxicology. When they’re not working (or engrossed in an OU football game), J-Lu get the family band together to sing, play ukulele, guitar or perhaps a little trombone.
Randy “Rando” and Shelley “Shell’s Bells” Minnis:
These are the people who either deserve the credit or blame for how I turned out. Shelley (don’t forget that 2nd “E”) followed her passion for art through a career as an art educator, to a product rep, to fine artist, and now spends her best days as a Grandmother with flair and pizzaz. Ol’ Rando spent most of his professional running or developing two small businesses. After 20 years at the helm of an insurance company, he spent another 20+ years growing a fledgling underwater level measurement company into household name (in water treatment households). These days he spends his time reading the classics, listening to lectures, pondering philosophy, politics, and economics… but let’s be real, his best days are spent fishing with his dog Willie on his pontoon boat.
AKA: “ARod” and ”EMRod”
This talented duo found each other through a mutual love of musical theater, and the allure of the oil business. After several years chasing black gold, Alex followed his engineering skills to the world’s grocery chain HEB where he now designs HVAC systems for the new locations. Katie’s big sis took her career in a big right turn when she set out to design computer systems. WHO SAYS GIRLS CAN’T CODE!?! (even the personable ones!). Coincidentally, not long after developing that skillset, HEB wisely scooped her up too! When they’re off work Alex makes LEGIT BBQ, and Emily is a super talented Knitter/Crocheter (is that a word?).
AKA: “Skinny G” and “TUNA!”
Gavin is my annoyingly athletic brother who was the first person to teach me how jealousy worked. As he grew up, despite having a big head start he got better at skateboarding and WAY better at the guitar than me. At this point I’ve pretty much given up on trying to beat him at things. These days, he and Tuna have two lovely daughters, good jobs, and a nice big house with fancy cars in the garage. So screw em! Kidding. Gavin also was apparently pretty good at dating, because one of his former flames actually introduced Gavin to Tina while she was in Dental School and they never looked back.
BFF of the Bride
Jaci goes back to Katie’s high school days in Las Vegas. Initially, they got to know each other through Katie’s relationship with Jaci’s cousin, but Katie and Jaci realized that their relationship was the one that had real “staying power” after Katie gave Jaci a graduation card filled with a quote from “The Office.” While roommates in college, Katie was often an actor in Jaci’s student films, which in my professional opinion were EXCELLENT. Jaci, while also a talented painter, chose to follow her cinematic passions to a career at Panavision on the camera prep team, and just recently jumped on an opportunity at a competing camera house.
AKA “Keester” AKA “Fluffy Head”
This big stud has had more experiences in his 17 years than a lot of us have had in twice that time. Already a world traveler, Key’s been all across Brazil for the 2014 World Cup, and now he’s checking France off the “bucket list”. Admittedly, these last two years have been tumultuous, and so much of life is beyond our control. But the strength of this young man is not to be repressed, and he’s teaching us all how trying times can be the opportunity we need to take control of the things within our reach. What’s in his reach? For starters: running, pole vaulting, soccer, football, learning guitar, xylophone, rockin’ all or almost all A’s in school, participating in the Baptist Church, learning to be a committed partner, and cultivating a style all his own. This is my 17 year old hero.
AKA “Prince William”, “Tha Rza”, “Preach”, “Plont”
Has worn more than a few hats in his time. He can swing a hammer, dominate at table tennis, regular tennis, darts, billiards, drain 3’s on the court (don’t ask him to dunk though), and speaks fluent English. Possibly most impressively, he’s put up with me for almost 30 years. In his professional life he ran the politics desk at some notable rags like the New York Observer, Politico, and Slate Magazine. Eventually, he decided US Politics was soundly under control, so he packed up and headed to 2nd home Austin to get a Law Degree at UT. His first philanthropic legal act will be officiating our wedding proceedings.
Celeb Couple Name “Justina”
Justin has had the misfortune of knowing me for MORE than 30 years. As a pair of scrappy young lads, we boxed and wrestled like brothers (he always won - but I never gave up). Justin taught me how to ask out a girl on the phone, and introduced me to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Metallica. Professionally, Justin has run several prominent restaurants and chains around DFW (and is now running things from the back office), and has just purchased his first home in Carrollton with his lovely “better half” Christina and their pooch Abby. Christina who’s also been in the Restaurant game, is an avid film buff with a penchant for zombie flicks or classics like “Back to the Future.”