superflously redundant

I hate when people use redundancies in general, but for some reason, it really stands out to be when people are redundant with acronyms. I heard someone using one of these today, which is why I thought of how much I don't like hearing it. Here are a few I can think of. Let me know if I missed any obvious ones: ATM machine (Automated Teller Machine machine) ABS system (Anti-lock Brake System system) ACT test (American College Test test) SAT test (Scholastic Assessment Test test) HIV virus (Human Immunodeficiency Virus virus) PC computer (Personal Computer computer) VIN number (Vehicle Identification Number number) Not the end of the world, but it sounds a little ignorant when people use them. Such is life.

what can go wrong, will go wrong...

...and at the worst possible time. This sums up Murphy's Law quite well. And I was victim to that Law on May 18th. I have been busy, but needed to tell this story, so though it's a little late, here goes... On May 18th, I had the privilege and honor of officiating a wedding for my friends John and Tanya (big congrats to them once again). It was my first wedding, so as I generally do when I do something for the first time, I made myself a checklist to make sure I got everything taken care of. And everything started out going extremely well...a little too well maybe (I should have known). Some time back, I met with John and Tanya at their home and went over some different options for their vows and what I would say during the ceremony. They made their decisions, I wrote something up, they approved...check I submitted a day off request at work for the 18th and it was approved...check I went to John's mother's house on the 17th for the rehearsal and everything went smoothly...check At the rehearsal dinner, Tanya and John gave me the marriage certificate for me to sign and submit. I noticed a few errors on it, called Marlborough City Clerk's office the morning of the 18th, had them make the corrections, drove and picked up the err0r-free (I hope) copy...check I dropped off my suit at Men's Wearhouse to be pressed and received confirmation that it would be ready for me to pick up at 2:00 when I'd be driving through on my way to the wedding...check I had lunch with a friend at Red Robin's...check I picked up my suit from Men's Wearhouse and began the 30-35 minute drive to the wedding...check Making good time (I was 5 minutes from the wedding...the time nearing 2:45 for a 3:15 meet and greet and 4:00 wedding)...check Grabbed my phone to wish my friend Daphne Allender and my cousin Brooke a happy birthday (they share one to the year) and saw a missed call. I did not recognize the number and noticed there was also a voicemail. I casually held down the number "1" on my phone to retrieve the voicemail, enjoying my nearly completely checked off checklist. When I heard the message, my heart skipped a beat and my throat dropped: "Mr. Brown, this is ------- from Men's Wearhouse. I am calling to inform you that your suit pants fell off the hanger and we still have them here at the store for you. You may come pick them up whenever you can." WHAT?!?!?! My suit was still in the plastic Men's Wearhouse bag. I pulled over to the side of the road and ripped open the bag. Sure enough...no pants. Are you kidding??? Afraid not... I hadn't pushed my new car to the limit yet and didn't want to then. But, to some degree, I didn't have much choice. I gunned it at about 85 mph the whole way back to the store. I called ahead and asked them to reserve a dressing room for me so I could change and arrive at the wedding prepared. I got to the wedding JUST in time and as it turned out the bride was still getting ready...PHEW! I couldn't believe it though. Most stressful, frustrating hour of my life...not exagerating. Thankfully, the wedding went smoothly and if you ever see the photos, you'll see me with suit pants on. Darn you Murphy! And darn your law!!!