Things to miss; things to cherish

This weekend was a real whirlwind. Sometimes I don't realize how much I squeeze into a weekend until I am asked to recount it to a couple coworkers on Monday. Everything this weekend was really non-stop and fun, and it's sorta sad it's all over. Each morning I would get up and go for a nice, long run, and then move on to start my day by 9am. And while the humidity and weather weren't perfect all weekend, it still wasn't that bad!

On Friday night, I had dinner at Aladdin's in Pittsford along the canal. I love the place. Had a really great evening with a couple friends, ate a nice large salad, drank a couple glasses of wonderful wine, and enjoyed stimulating conversation in the midst of a light breeze out on the outdoor patio. The food was delicious, and just relaxing after a workweek was wonderful. Plus, afterward, we all got some ice cream and ate along the canal, watching the people in boats, listening to the blues band playing in the lawn, and people watching for awhile.

Also had a wonderful meal at Longhorn Steakhouse with a couple other friends. I brought a coupon (no surprise there), and had a nice big steak salad, got a huge shrimp appetizer for the table, drank a couple glasses of wine (ok, this seems to be a pattern..) and enjoyed great chitchat for over two hours. I love the restaurant, and these guys had never been there. My pleasure to introduce them! Such great food, and I treasure any opportunity to enjoy it with good people.

The other night, we had a nice goodbye dinner for Scott. He's leaving for Afghanistan soon (this week?) and we all gathered at The Gate House for a little celebration of sorts. He's voluntarily going there for work, and being well paid for it too, so it's only good times for him. And this restaurant is a FINE American establishment, with upscale burgers and dishes. I... got a great salad, skipped the wine, but enjoyed the evening with the Bells & Scott. I haven't actually spent much time with them recently, so it was great catching up and doing it at one of their favorite places to eat.

So my new housemate, Rajesh, is all moved in. He's a great guy! He also brought a friend with him, who is staying with us until Tuesday. It's been interesting living with a guy again. Not used to it, but it's not bad. I've enjoyed living with women in the past, so it'll be quite the little bachelor pad in the meantime. He's a cooker, too! He's made quite a bit of food since he got here last week. He asked what the best grocery store was (Wegmans), where to get good vegetables (Public Market), where to get loose leaf tea (Java's) and where to find eye candy (eeerrmmm... the beach?). They're both good guys, and they hail from San Francisco. I'm even sending my resume and business cards back with his friend, hoping for a connection back in Cali for a possible job lead sometime in the future. It could work. They have really great connections, and Rajesh's story on how he got his current job (the one he's in Rochester for 3 months for) is hilarious and very timely.

Nola has been out of town for several days for her future sister-in-law's wedding. She's gorgeous in the pictures she's been sending, and I imagine the wedding is absolutely gorgeous. That family has no limitations on how much they spend on weddings. And in their culture, the man's family pays... and they're based in Chicago. Quite the event, I'm sure. So I've been taking care of her cats while she's gone, and being all envious of her travels. I miss traveling!

I indulged this weekend quite a bit. I stopped at Abundance Food grocery a couple times, picking up some nut butters and nuts. They have this amazing all natural cashew spread, and then also these amazing tamari almonds and curry cashews. I could die happy if I could eat that stuff every day. Unfortunately, it kind of knocked me off my plan for the weekend, and I paid for it. But with anything, life is only worth living if you live it. And it's back to the grind with my eating. I have too many goals VERY close to even remotely think I should alter my efforts. Good with the bad, I guess!

Caught up, friend wise, this weekend. I spent some quality time with Marni, as we caught up on a couple episodes of Kathy Griffin, and then also caught up on the current states of our... *cough* professional aspirations. She's great, doing great, going places, seeing things, traveling to far off places, exhibiting awesome artwork, and just being an amazing exhibitor. I'm envious of her summer, to a great deal! I also caught up with Seth & Kelly (and their babies!). Seth was on baby duty Friday evening, and I went over with him, Josh and Scott, and played a couple board games. Did it again on Saturday after dinner. They were joking that we were there until 1am.. and that was late. Late? I'm up that late every night... ha!

In sad disgusting news.. there was LOUD and angry commotion outside my house last night. So like any.. homeowner.. I went outside to see what was what. There were probably 10 men walking around, talking to my neighbors, carrying bags (???) of stuff behind the garage and loudly talking about crap and doing random things... like horseplay and rough physical interactions. OK. Whatever. But the yelling was annoying, so I asked if there was a problem. "Nope." After going back inside, I did end up listening for a bit through an open blinded window.. and what I heard was offensive, disgusting, derogatory, bigoted and just extremely ignorant. Not sure how I feel about it, but it's... definitely.. out of left field. And it left me.. extremely uncomfortable in my own home for the first time.. ever. EVER.

But in happier news, I helped a friend adopt a dog this weekend! She's absolutely adorable. He wanted to get a dog from a breeder, and I insisted we at least LOOK at rescues from Lollipop Farm. So on Saturday, we did. And he fell in love with the first dog! She has such a sweet history, lame reason for being given up, and has such an awesome demeanor and sweet personality that he basically signed papers then and there. Fortunately, he asked his mother to come back with him later in the day to check the dog out to be sure, but he got her! And the dog has absolutely fell in love with him. They're attached at the hip! So on Sunday, I offered to help him buy some supplies at petco and also to start with simple behavioral items, like how to walk the dog, how to command it, being consistent, etc, etc. Plus I wanted to see Letchworth! Ha. But after a long day, he's still fully madly in love with Ruby, and they make a great pair!

Busy week ahead! I have Seabreeze with my friend Kieth tonight, Schlock Night on Wednesday, premier of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World with a couple friends, MY birthday game night on Thursday with an awesome cake (promised!), dropping Scott off at the airport at 5am, travel to D.C. on Friday, travel BACK from D.C. on Friday (I know..!), a birthday dinner for ME on Saturday, and I bet a million other things in between. I'm really glad Rajesh will be living at the house now. With how busy I am ("Are you ever here?" he asks.), I need someone at the house. And if things change for me in the next month or two, it'll be critical that someone be there. Especially after my neighbor's disgusting behaviors/comments.

Birthday plans next weekend include a possible trip to African Wild Safari in Canada, my sister's graduation from Nursing School, a trip to Sterling Renaissance Festival, Deb's birthday, and MAYBE a birthday for me. I still don't want a party, but who knows. And I think I might be in D.C. that Friday. Lots of travel!

Today has been an awesome day. After two VERY terrific phone calls, I have no doubt my future is brighter than it has ever been. EVER. I'm blown away how everything is clicking into place.