It was the perfect Autumn Saturday. I slept in, woke up to my kitty cat, and immediately started training. I stretched, I baked cookies, I did some coloring, I read some philosophy, I vacuumed like a pro, and I prepped the chips and salsa. ‘What kind of training is that?’ you might be wondering. Well, let me tell you. Let’s just say, it’s all about a little sister who just wants to be the best man she can be.

A little over a year ago, my brother proposed to his girlfriend in Hawaii. Flower petals, poetry, the whole shebang. She said yes, of course! Since that day, wedding preparations have been made, and it takes a village to get everything accomplished. The wedding will take place this December, but we have one little problem. You see, the bride has two sisters and a female best friend (who will obviously be standing on the bride’s side at the wedding). Well, my brother has me and a four of his favorite bros. Where am I supposed to stand?! With my blood brother and the gents, or with the ladies? Traditional vs modern wants, what is one to do? The only way to keep numbers even on either side is to either put me on the bride’s side with the other females, or to put me on my brother’s side and put one of their mutual male friends on the bride’s side.

This is only one of the conflicts faced during this planning process! My brother is quite indecisive and a “make everyone happy” sort of guy, so he has yet to pick a best man. Usually, it’s the groom’s brother or best friend; the problem is, I’m a sister, and each of his male buddies have been equally important in different phases of his life. This long introduction leads me to why I am training! In order to pick a best man, my brother has organized a friendly competition. All we were told is that there would be intellectual, creative, and physical components to the competition and that we were to meet at my parents’ house promptly at three o’clock. I am currently sitting on the couch, anticipating my brother’s arrival, and “trash talking” the other competitors on Facebook. A few exchanges have included: “I think you’re cheating because you’re at the house early.” “I think you’re cheating because you’re using your brain.” “I personally think a best man needs a brain.” “I personally think a best man needs a vagina.” On that note, LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

(I will write the continuation to this article post-competition (next week) to let you know what went down! Was it gladiator-style? Did anyone end up in the hospital? Were there tears and a food fight? WHO WON?? Stay tuned until next week, friends!)