One of my favorite musical memories is Julie Andrews as Guinevere singing “The Lusty Month of May” in Camelot and today being May Day kicks off that lusty month. For me the highlights of May 2008 include highlights in my hair (along with a haircut) and meeting friends Robin and Vickie at Bailey’s for our monthly gabfest. I can report that my salad bar and quesedilla were excellent although Vickie said her chicken breasts were bland and Robin’s salmon was just so-so. Doubt we’ll return to that place – especially if they don’t get more efficient wait staff. Our next outing won’t be until July when we try 5 Spices.
However, the real meat of these sessions is not what’s served on a platter but what comes from our conversations. Here are some of those tidbits:
- How could I have been so RUDE to schedule my haircut and magic shampoo on Women of Substance night? That was the question asked with righteous indignation by Robin whose tummy had to wait 20 minutes for me to arrive (blame my hair stylist – she was running late!)
- If you go to heaven, will you spend eternity in the clothes in which you’re buried? And should you request to be buried in undies? This question sparked 3 very different answers – Vickie wants to be buried in her sweats so she’ll be comfy in the afterlife, Robin wants to be buried in her wedding gown because she thinks she looks fabulous in it and I want to be cremated so guess I’ll be making an ash of myself!
- Parties – Vickie’s daughter Hannah turned 14 a few weeks ago and the bunking party was a rousing success, measured in part by the fact that Hannah slept most of the next day. Robin just gave a successful surprise 40th birthday for her sister who Robin claims is quite different from her – sister is not laid back like Robin and is opinionated (uh Robin – in case you didn’t know it, you ARE opinionated – and I love you for it!)
- Robin loves working in a cubicle environment where there is lots of personal interaction and open conversation leading to plenty of input on problem solving. However, if she needs to argue with her hubby, she goes into the conference room for privacy or they IM.
- Some things never change – one look at Vickie’s first grade photo and the kindergarten photo for her daughter Hannah showed similar hairstyles and dress. They both were darling and it’s easy to see that family resemblence between them.
- Friend Morey also picks “buck naked” over “butt naked” judging from an email I received from her a few days ago. The score on buck vs. butt is now 4-0.
- Vickie wants to get a yellow daffodil (her favorite flower) tattoo – she shares her birthday with hubby Chaz who turns 50 next year and he also wants to get a tattoo so that may be the perfect time for them both. Now that Robin is out of the staid corporate finance world she’s seriously considering adding on to her bod too. Several years ago I had plans to get a small bicycle put in the center of my back about 2 inches below my waist – but when I met Burl he was vehemently opposed so looks like my skin will escape the needle!
After dinner we took a short walk to the Square to see the new downtown branch of the library – Vickie has just gone on the library board and was eager to show off their latest branch. Unfortunately we got there just as they were closing so only got a brief glimpse inside. I’m ready to head back and get a closer look at what Vickie called the “Canoodling Cubes” – little private reading nooks that look quite inviting. Which reminds me, “A Thousand Splendid Suns” is calling to me from my night stand!
Sounds like you all have a great time getting together, and some hilarious topics of discussion (buck vs. butt!?– I vote for “buck” also…) Isn’t spending time with good friends one of the best things you can do for your mental health? They’re lifesavers sometimes!
Nancy – When I was single I received a Valentine from a good friend that read “Boyfriends may come and go but Girlfriends are FOREVER” and that is so very true. Not about my dear hubby now but sure fit the Starter Hubby – and several dweebs and jerks I met along the way to finding #2!
I’ve learned to treasure my female friends because they have taught me so much about me and about life. So glad I can count you as one of them.