Friends and Fiends

Amen !

I love my peeps.  Hands down, I've got some really good friends some of which are miles apart.  Sometimes it's hard to keep up with each other, but there are plenty of silly texts, catch up emails and random cards.  Somehow we stay connected. 

One of my bestest girlies now lives in Raleigh.  She's one busy chic and it's hard to slow her down sometimes because she throws herself into new challenges, projects and educating herself on top of working full-time while juggling a marriage and parenthood.  I admire her tenacity.  She is always finding a way to give more back to others, throws herself into being involved in her community, her family, her child and pretty much finds something new to tackle for her own curiosities.  And when she gets overwhelmed with all that she does, she's pretty good at reaching out and making a plan to get away from it all.  And sometimes that includes crashing at my place.  I like that.  It gives us time to catch up in person and drink some wine like we have many times in the past.  She's one of my bestest peoples in my world.  Don't know what I'd do without her. 

And She Does !

I remember the day that I saw my childhood best friend.  We were in the first grade.  I saw her walking back to her class after recess.  She was short with dark hair, wearing a Love's Baby Soft t-shirt.  (I'm telling on myself here.  😉)  We became friends shortly after and we are still in touch to this day.  We nicknamed each other "wusband" many years ago-a combo of wife and husband if you will-as a term of endearment for long lasting relationships.  A friendship marriage it is...and a good one at that.  We haven't seen each other in person in a very long time, and we don't talk much because our lives are so hectic but I can certainly say, when something is going on with either one of us, we know.  And then we call.  And it's like time hasn't passed so much.  I guess with a friendship like that you will always be connected in that weird sort of way. 

Many Talks About Our Mothers....

Fiendship.  Yes, I said "fiend".  I met one of my other really good friends on the Internet.  And not in that way as you would think.  We both laugh when people ask "How did you meet?".  It's a fun story to tell because it was so random, but when we finally met in person, it was an instant connection, and no...not in that way.  The original plan was to meet for coffee while he was in town for a couple of days but we opted for wine instead.  That was a much better idea in my book.  The word fiend came up a couple of years later as a typo but we stuck with it just for fun.  I'm not sure why, maybe it's the extra wine we drink when we get together.  Maybe it's just something silly.  One thing is for sure, he & I are definitely connected in odd ways that cannot be planned or known ahead of time.  It's just "one of those things" and I'm thankful for that.  And yes, he's a dude.  I do believe men and women can be friends and close friends at that, without it being weird.  You should try it sometime. 

Yep.

So that's it for now folks.  Until next time....elizinashe

What Do You Do?

It Was a Cold and Dreary Night...

One of my coworkers asked me what I liked to do for fun the other night.  I had to stop and think about that one for a bit.  And I'm kind of glad that he did as it was a heated moment at work that night. I needed a brief distraction from the chaos. 

So what do I do for fun?  Well...I have this thing.  Which has been quite therapeutic and most likely has saved me loads of money in therapy, although I probably could still use that from time to time.  In fact, I met one of my very best friends through this thing.  And that's a whole other story to which I will spare you for now. 

 I like taking pictures and I'm not talking about a bunch of selfies although I've done that too.  I'm talking about walking around and finding odds and ends and trying to capture that in the camera lens.  Vacation time is always good for that which is another thing I need to do more often.  I like finding that arch in a building, a quiet flower or some random object and getting that on film.  I've been lucky a few times and others not so much.  But there is always room for improvement. 

Trying to Stay Calm

I like cooking and trying new recipes that won't take me all damn day long because that's just stupid.  I like having friends over to try the said new recipes, or something more traditional and sharing good conversation and wine.  Can't forget the wine!  It makes me happy to plan a  meal, make a big mess and have special people over and spoil them a bit.  That's fun for me.  

Cards...I like sending cards.  Mostly silly Halloween and Valentine cards but it's fun for me.  I don't think people do such things anymore given modern technology.  I feel like it's a "lost art" so to speak.  I don't even think people send Thank You cards anymore like we were taught when we were younger.  Why is that?  I will spend more money on a stack of silly cards instead of a purse or shoes.  I hate to shop, but card shopping is way more fun for me.  That's not so bad is it?  

Getting crafty...I have my moments.  And I'm slowly getting back into that.  I have a couple of stalled crafty projects that I need to tweak and finish instead of allowing it to collect dust.  I'm pretty good at that too.  I used to hike quite a bit and I really miss that.  Those days were a lot of fun for me.  I seriously need to get back into that.  Not only did it recharge my soul, but it also gave my the opportunity to use that camera.  It was win-win situation.  I think this will be the year to get back into the habit.  Or so I hope.  

Music...I love it.  I love catching live music and I used to be out almost every weekend but that was way back in the day...I've already caught a Ben Folds show last month which was super awesome and next month I have tickets for a crazy band that is returning to Asheville for another show.  I'm really looking forward to that.  I know it will be good.  Music does fill my soul...it is my "go to" in many aspects.  

So..I guess there are quite a few things that I "do for fun".  I've never really thought about it before as some of these things are just automatic and not really planned, although some things do take some planning ahead which is not my forte as I have said in previous posts.  Looking back on this silly little list, I guess I'm not doing too bad after all.  

So with all of that said...what do you do for fun?  Until next time...elizinashe

Mmmm...

On A Cold Windy Night...

Calm and Quiet...

Dang is it ever cold outside!  Old Man Winter came back this past weekend and has been sticking around.  And after having nearly 70 degree temperatures too!  I blame the time change.  That "spring ahead" mess screws up Mother Nature and she lashes out.  Seriously...I swear every time we jump forward an hour things get screwy the following week.  Think about it...you know it's true.  

Speaking of this past weekend, I had dear friends come visit along with their 8 year old son.  Whew!  I must say he's a pretty good kid.  He still does not know what to think of me just yet but I think we get along fine.  He knows to be quiet in the mornings so us adults can "get it together" and will listen to his parents when it comes to redirection and setting limits.  He may push it a bit at times, but all in all...he's a really good kid.  I give huge kudos to his parents.  They are such awesome people and they are raising a pretty awesome kid.  It's hard work for sure, but I think they are handling the whole parenthood thing really well.  Good job guys! 

This weekend was my "turn around" weekend which initially it was a bit stressing for me knowing that my sleep would be screwy but I worked it out somehow.  My friends had a "play date" scheduled for Saturday with one of our other friends who has two boys, so that left me some quiet time to clean up, catch a nap and prepare a small feast for my lovelies.  That made me pretty happy.  Along with the time spent with my peeps.  They are truly special people to me and I look forward to having them visit many more times.  

One of my coworkers is having a bit of a "send off" tomorrow night at a local bar/restaurant.  He's decided to hike the Appalachian Trail, solo mind you, from beginning to end.  God I hope he makes it.  I'm really excited for him and I look forward to spending time with some coworkers outside of the unit walls.  But man...it's gonna be cold.  I'm trying to get over that.  It will definitely be a night to layer up!  My other worry is driving at night.  I really don't like doing it so much anymore.  Maybe I'm getting old....regardless it will be an opportunity to get out and have some more fun before I start my long stretch of work.  I need something like that other than cooking at home and shooting pics to a fellow foodie.  haha...not that there is anything wrong with that, but sometimes you just need to break things up a bit, no?  

In the meantime, stay warm and have faith that all will be well soon enough.  Mother Nature can't be all wonky too long.  Sunny skies and warmer temperatures will soon be here.  Keeping my fingers crossed on that one.  Wink, wink.  Until next time...elizinashe

Curl Up and Have a Glass...