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So, I’m at Maria’s* apartment for her housewarming. Her family has just left.
(And can I just say? I love Hispanics. My people. It doesn’t matter if you are a total stranger. I’m hugged and kissed by all the moment I arrived. I’m invited to a birthday party next week. It just doesn’t happen with you Caucasians. I still like you, but the difference is huge.)
I’m browsing through her DVD collection when I catch a glimpse of her high school diploma resting on the top shelf.
“Oh, I didn’t know you spell your name with an ‘e’.”
“What? I don’t,” said Maria. I pointed to her diploma. Meria.
“The hell?”
I make her check her college diploma to make sure she really graduated. And I promise to never, ever forget this.
* New Nurse
The wedding was beautiful. There was perfect weather for a beach wedding. There was an amazing group of friends and family that were truly a testament to the bride and groom. There were tears shed during their vows and during the bride’s father’s toast. There was dancing. Lots of dancing. And cute groomsmen.
Like my dress, mine was the best. ;) Seriously, this guy was cute, tall, and funny as hell. A few times I caught the potential for douchiness, but it was only a weekend and he was entertaining. I had my first long moonlit walk on the beach with him, including a stop on some large rocks jutting out into the ocean.
After the wedding I stayed a few extra days. I saw the final Hubble mission launch and spent a day at Epcot.
I was not ready to come back.
A family friend’s son and his wife bought her home a few years ago, moved in, and cared for her. A few months ago, he was diagnosed with brain cancer. His health declined rapidly. My mother called me tonight to let me know he had passed away this morning.
I regularly come by with my mom every few weeks to visit his mother. I’ve gotten to know his wife pretty well, but he and I didn’t spend too much time together. I would always go over to him to say hello, shake his hand, and exchange a few (a very few) pleasantries. He was a bit gruff and had a very dry wit. That was usually as far as our interactions went.
My mom told me that his wife wanted me to know how much they had meant to him. That he often commented on them. I didn’t know him so well that his death caused a lot of pain (just being honest), but that information caused me to tear up.
How often does something you think nothing about greatly impact another’s life? And how often do we fail to carry out such a seemingly insignificant act?
** Quote by Scott Adams
It was the first time I’d seen her in 7 years. Over the last few months we’d made two plans to meet since she found me on-line. Once she stood me up. The second time she backed out. I honestly didn’t care if Erica and I ever got together to “catch up and stuff.” I only knew her well enough in high school to have small talk in gym or any other class we may have shared.
I got off from work and was walking to my car when I checked my messages only to find a text. What are you doing tonight? I texted back to ask what she had in mind. Pool party I was tired and had work the next day, but I wanted to go. I was tired of all work and no play these last few months.
I told her I’d pick her up, and when I pulled onto her street I called to let her know I was there. Are you wearing makeup? Ummm, a little. “Come inside. You’re not afraid of dogs, are you?” I wasn’t, and it was a good thing as four very large and very eager dogs met me at the door. She led me back toward the bathroom, and I leaned against the door frame as we chatted somewhat awkwardly while she finished putting on a full face of makeup and straightening her curly hair.
We continued to talk about who we still hung out with from high school, and I asked her more about this party. She said one of her friends was turning 28, and his cousin was throwing the party for him. She called for specific directions on our way there, and after several wrong turns and calls we made it to the house. (His directions were terrible; he could have given three turns by street name rather than using vague landmarks that were all over this particular area.)
We arrived to find this friend, his much older cousin, and some even older guy sitting at the kitchen table on his laptop. That’s it. If a few more people hadn’t shown up just then, I would have been ready to leave. Even so, it wasn’t exactly my crowd. All topics of conversation centered on their latest escapades at our local bars/clubs. That’s it. I wanted to shake them by their shoulders and ask, “Seriously? Is that all you do?” I get going out with friends, but, to me, that gets old fast if that’s all you do with those friends. Then again, I discovered that Erica and I had a different definition of the word friend when I asked how long she’d known these people. She knew no one but the birthday boy, and this was only the fourth time she’d even seen him – the first outside of a bar. Right.
I spent most of the time talking to this guy Grant who seemed cool and , most importantly, different from the others. He actually had something to say that didn’t include a bartender or “this girl/guy from the bar the other night.” He did have some kind of phobia when it came to water, because he absolutely refused to go near the pool (which was only chest-high on me at 5′8″). It was obvious there was more going on than just not wanting to get wet.
Erica and I both had to get up early the next day, so we left a little after midnight. I dropped her off (after stopping for tacos), and as I drove home I realized I felt sorry for her. She seemed less sure of herself then she had at 18.
One of my best friends is getting married next summer. She’s planning a beach wedding in Florida, and I’m excited to be a bridesmaid. She’s decided that we will all wear fuschia and a tea-length but that we can choose our own style of dress (within the After Six/Dessy collection). My favorite is Dessy Bridesmaid Style 2040. (The satin trim crosses at the back to form back straps!) I could actually wear this again, unlike the strapless lavender monstrosity complete with rhinestone buckle still hanging in my closest three years later.
In a search for an engagement gift, I came across this custom birch mug set. Adorable.
11 months to go…
I flew to Washington, D.C. this past weekend to visit my three best friends. One of the girls lives in Arlington, so the rest of us crashed at her townhouse for our little reunion. I arrived very late Thursday night. The girls picked me up at the airport, and we went straight back to the house where we ate and stayed up until 4a talking. Miss Arlington had just recently got engaged, and that night she officially asked us to be her bridesmaids in Summer 2009 on the beach. She gifted us these beautiful candles with beach themes (mine is Boardwalk).
We spent Friday morning at the National Museum of Natural History between three exhibits: Butterfly House, Nature’s Best Photography, and Geology, Gems, and Minerals. For lunch we walked across the Mall to dine at the National Museum of the Native American where we shared en trees, side dishes, and desserts (my favorite was the prickly pear and tequila ice cream). Later we walked over to the International Spy Museum and spent a couple of hours touring the fascinating exhibits. We finally rode the metro back to the parking garage where we had left Miss Arlington’s car and headed home. We intended to nap briefly before getting ready to go out, but by the time we woke up we were too tired to comtemplate dancing. So we rented a movie, picked up pizza and pie (for Pi Day), and made margaritas.
Saturday’s morning plans included leftover pie for breakfast and a trip to Eastern Market. I ate lunch at a charming little deli (ham and brie with a rosemary, white wine, and fig dressing) and bought some jewelry (a turquoise ring and gorgeous silver earrings). Next stop: the White House! This was an unexpected event. One friend has a cousin who works at the White House, and he managed to squeeze us all in for a private tour of the White House on his day off. Our tour was delayed by the return of the Vice President (no tours take place when the President or VP are there). While waiting for his motorcade to take off, we visited the Executive Office Building and the grounds just outside the White House where the press gathers.
When Cheney finally left, the tours resumed. No pictures were allowed inside, and each room was roped off with a red rope. The West Wing is much smaller than I ever imagined, but it was beautiful – and quiet. The carpeting pads any footsteps, and people spoke in hushed tones. We walked out to the Rose Garden and stepped inside the press briefing room.
Our guide dropped us off at the Jefferson Memorial, and we spent some time there before heading off to find some food (ended up at Froggy Bottom Pub) before the Washington, DC International Film Festival. After the films we hung out for an hour or so at Tonic, a small bar just a short walk away. Once home, I stayed up until 3a talking with one of the girls – just catching up on life.
Sunday we lost a girl as her plane left early that morning. We ate lunch at a fabulous Lebanase restaurant (creating a mini buffet out of appetizers) and then I got to go ice skating for the first time. I was on my ass the whole time (except for the one time my face broke my fall), but it was a lot of fun. The people hanging around the rink were cheering me on. One friend announced that I was from Texas, and I added “I’ve never seen ice before!” to much laughter from the crowd.
We warmed up at a nearby Irish pub; this was the closest I came to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. The next stop for me was the airport as my flight left early that evening. I was sad to leave so soon, but I have to admit – 2 glasses of Irish coffee makes for a comfortable flight home.
I got a call from a college roommate to announce her engagement. It wasn’t really a surprise to anyone who knew the couple, but I loved hearing her excitement and obvious joy at sharing her news. He left that morning as if he were going to work and then called to tell her to look at the nightstand. He’d left the first of several clues to a scavenger hunt. At each location, one of her friends had the next clue. She ran all around D.C. before finding him with a picnic basket at a park. Oh – and the line? “Remember how I told you that I choose you everyday? Well, I choose you for the rest of my life.” Sweet. No set date yet, but she did say the wedding wouldn’t be any sooner than a year. She’s always talked of a beach wedding, so I’d guess during the spring of ‘09.
I was a little sad when I got off the phone only because talking to her made me realize – again – how much I miss her and the other two girls. They are the best friends a girl can have, and I’m looking forward to our next reunion – possibly in Bermuda! If that doesn’t work out, we’ll be hanging out in D.C. with our newly engaged girl.
I’ve got two knitting projects lined up, and they are both just for me.
First project is from Vogue Knitting Fall 2006: the Fair Isle U-Neck Pullover (minus the fair isle color work). It is a close-fitting pullover with shaped side seams and a deep u-neck with contrast color tipping on all edges. I’ll be making it in the round with dark gray wool with teal edges on the ribbing. I think the sweater with the fair isle is gorgeous, but I tend to like my sweaters simple and not too fussy. I was drawn to this sweater for the neckline and flattering fit.
Next, this amazing hat from Knitty.com: Jackyll & Hide. Seriously, what’s not to love? It looks sweet and pretty until pulled down to reveal the embroidered skull details. I knew I’d be making it as soon as I saw it. My friends and I have also been talking of taking a skiing trip, and this hat would be perfect. I may also make one for my brother if he likes it – only I’d switch the colors for a more masculine appeal.
My preceptorship is going well. I’ve yet to find something negative about this hospital. I know I need to do a little digging to ensure I make an informed decision when deciding where I want to work. The only annoyance so far has come from a family member of a patient who kept coming up to the nurse’s station to ask riddles. It got old pretty fast, but everyone was nice to him. I took to calling him the Riddler (very original, I know), and the nickname stuck.
My exit exam is this Saturday. Wish me luck as I finish reviewing two years of nursing school this week.
It’s been over a month since my last post, and it’s been the busiest this year. I took and passed two summer courses and then started my last (!) semester of nursing school.
Between the summer and fall classes, I spent a week in Florida visiting old college friends. Everyone flew down from their respective locations. Our original plan was to stay at a beach house, but the owners had an emergency come up. The rest of us stayed at a friend’s townhouse and did all the normal, fun activities we used to do together: dinners, movies, pedicures, salsa dancing, one afternoon at the beach…. I had a great time, and we made plans for our next reunion.
I haven’t done much knitting, except for one project. A woman had seen a baby sweater I’d made, and she asked if I could make a similar one for her three-year-old with silk yarn that she would provide. There were a few styling details she wanted included, such as a slight A-line shape and seed stitch borders. I took a week to come up with a pattern and then knit up a “test” sweater. This was the result:
I sent the picture to the woman (she lives several hours away), and she then asked if it would be possible for me to mail it to her so she could try it on her daughter. I sent it Saturday morning, and I’m just waiting to hear back from the woman. My first custom order (maybe)!
I’m already overwhelmed with school, but then – I always am in the beginning. I try to find time for running, writing, and knitting. There are a few stories I have outlined (one for a contest due Sept 10), and I want to make this ribbed lace bolero for a friend’s birthday.
At the moment, allergies are leaving my head heavy. All I want to do is sleep when I should really be studying. No use getting behind before things even get started.
I can’t believe I’m almost done.
This is my latest in knit gifting – Wisp. I omitted one repeat of the fishnet lace as the recipient is smaller than I am, and my first attempt was almost too big for me. I also used many more buttons than the example pictures showed. The pattern is very easy to memorize, and (using a counter) it is the perfect project for some mindless knitting.
My college roommates ( and best friends) and I began doing stockings for Christmas out of necessity. We were broke, and little gifts and treats were within our means.
I went shopping for the stockings today. My favorite stuffers came from World Market. I found these cute soaps, each theme appropriate for each girl. I also got spoon strainers for the two tea drinkers, and for the baker I bought an egg whisk. You know you’re growing up when practical items get you excited. My favorite stuffers from last year were an egg timer (dropped into the water and turns colors when eggs are done) and a pasta serving size measurer (a plastic card with holes of varying sizes to compare with a fistful of pasta). No other stuffers I’ve received have been used so much.
Of course, I’ll also include our traditional candy, fun pens and pencils, cute post-it notes, sparkly nail polish, lotions, etc. I’m just sorry we won’t be opening them together, sitting in a circle and drinking hot chocolate while listening to Christmas music. *tear*
I eventually want to make a tradition of knitting their stockings each year, but first things first. I’ve got to learn how to make a sock.
So, I bought my first set of double-pointed needles today!
