London Bridge is falling Down

Do you ever feel like you're getting pulled in one too many directions. I picture myself as Stretch Armstrong and you know that after a while, one of those limbs, those connections is going to break. The hard part about it is that rarely are you getting pulled into multiple directions you don't want to go, most of the time it seems it's all stuff you normally enjoy and have fun doing, but when you pile on too many things, the pile will always topple. Always. So what do you do when you notice the unbalance...the leaning...the breaking...? I've been thinking a lot lately about how I handle certain situations. Some I feel I probably need to handle differently yet others I couldn't be more pleased with the turnout. Sometimes I think that being an adult just sucks. But most of the time it's just fine :)

I have to apologize for the ridiculous amount of time between this post and the actual night I'm recounting. Life, for sure, is crazy, but I am going to give the best recap of the evening I possibly can. After not having felt well I decided to skip a dance party...gasp!!! I usually like to have plans, to know what I'm doing at any given time so not going dancing opened up a whole night with no ability to make plans, I just had to go with it. It turned out well. Amanda, Amy and myself took a tour of some downtown art galleries and their punch competition, scored ourselves some awesome homemade hats, spiked punch, warm punch, good snacks and even some movie filming. Jenna joined and we proceeded to martini night. We were then joined by Julie and Katie and I proceeded to try two drinks for the evening. I was only going to do one but I got so hungry I had a thick second. That sounds gross just typing it but I'll start with that one, it was the Strawberry Cheesecake, which actually has sour cream in it. I was hesitant and thought it could go horribly wrong but it was actually a bit delightful. Rating wise a 7.3 but that is saying a lot for a drink that has a nacho topping in it. The first drink I had was the Sunset. It's so pretty, they pour the grenadine in after so it drops to the bottom. You have to remember to mix it a bit otherwise you get a lot of alcohol and then a lot of sugary red liquid. This drink receives an 8.2 with its' presentation giving a few tenths higher than taste alone. Overall it was a good evening, filled with amazing women and random events that I couldn't have planned better if I tried, and I think sometimes that's the lesson.
Thanks for joining ladies :)

I spell it Grey

Sometimes when I'm writing these, or even when I am thinking about what I'm going to post, I picture myself as a narrator, much like Meredith in Grey's Anatomy. I feel like I am walking you through an episode of a show I call My Life. Sometimes it's a comedy and sometimes it's a drama. Right now my life has a lot going on, to the extent that I really don't know what happened to the month of October, and this episode has hints of both genres, though I'm only going to highlight the comedy.

In the midst of the busiest October I've ever lived through, I had the opportunity to sit down with some very dear friends and enjoy some martinis. And enjoy them we did. I would like to first say, if you're with a couple of people and you can all agree on one flavor, go for the pitcher, it's fabulous. We started with the Raspberry Lifesaver which I am giving a 9.5. Amazing, great flavor and it masks the alcohol very well. Our second round was the Red Appletini which I am giving a 9.8. Frankly put, it's delicious. This picture is proof.

So who has heard of the saying "you wouldn't join a club that would have you as its member"? Anyone? I hadn't either but Sandi so graciously brought this to my attention a couple months ago and we brought it up again this evening, after talking about a few different scenarios we're all going through. It's basically like this: you really want to join this group, so you apply, and you pray about it and then you're accepted but you realize, you don't want to be in a group that just accepts you. We're complicated individuals and sometimes do really dumb things, and I think this is one of them. But we all do it, and when you take a second and think about it, I can almost guarantee you've been there, because it applies to a lot of different areas of life.

I was doubting my ability to carry out this blog for the full year but after this past night, I realize that I need this. I need something to look forward to. I need the company, the atmosphere, the freedom, the conversations, the laughter, the tears, the tears because of the laughter and the support. And most of all I look forward to looking back at these posts and seeing the memories and the growth. :)

Evening Re-cap:

Quotable quotes: Amy - "SPINACH DIP AND CHEEEEEEEPS!!"

Sandi - "Not me and my hand but you and your hand"

Me - "I just did the 90/10 with the lamp..."

Jenna - "It's not gossip, we talk about him all the time."

Drinks had: Raspberry Lifesaver and Red Appletini

Rinse. No repeat.

When I first had the idea to start this, I honestly did not think that it would be this difficult to fit in a martini every weekend. I realize now, after almost two months, it's much more difficult when you're also counting on others to make it possible. I don't think I've quite reached that coveted solo status yet. There is just something about going to the bar alone that is not in the make up of my bones. However, I have decided that if that time ever does come, I have to get the Lemon because it's pure vodka and I'm sure it will make me seem awesome and hard core, like, "yeah, that's right, I'm at the bar alone and I like my martinis without frill." And realistically, I do like the frill, they can be quite pretty. My point with all this, is this: this is an open invite to join me. We can talk about anything you'd like, even emotional booty calls, like last night. That's right, you read it right. If you aren't familiar with what I'm talking about, which I'm sure most people aren't, take a quick 3o seconds and follow this link. So now that you know what I'm talking about, I'm going to twist it. I feel a common variation is the reversed ebc, if I may. For my example, I'll use Jack and Diane (who by the way, had Jack done this, there wouldn't be a ditty about them, because Diane would have been a smart woman and left) for lack of better names. So this is what happens: Jack "calls" Diane, repeat, repeat, now Diane thinks there could be something, Diane thinks because she's giving so much emotionally there is a connection, but wait! Jack talks about someone else, Diane is confused, and rinse and repeat.

I know it's not the best example but I can't put peoples' names in here without their approval so it will have to do. A good song about this would be Melt My Heart to Stone by Adele, maybe that'd be a better example. Do guys know they do this? Because I can count on more than one hand people I know that have gone through situations like this, and that's just not right. That's why I say, Rinse. No repeat. Stop going back. Be rid of it, it's not healthy.

This has potential to be a girl power post but it also could have been the Razzmopolitan talking which I would give a 7. It has a good flavor but the quick aftertaste burns a bit. I followed it with the Fuzzy Wuzzy (which immediately takes me to the rhyme but drink wise is similar to a Fuzzy Navel) which I would give a 7.8 because the orange juice makes you think it's healthy. I have to start going to a decimal rating system because I like it better than the first but it was not an 8. I can't just go giving everything pretty and tasty a high score, I have to be fair. You know, because clearly people are going to go to 84 East after reading this and use my rating system to figure out what to drink. Ha. And I'd hate to give them a false rating.

So that's it for now. Next weekend is the big race so I will only be drinking water. See you in two weeks :)

martini night or martini weekend?

Whew. What a weekend. I would like to warn you, this could be the longest post you'll ever have to read, but it will be worth it I'm sure :)

Let me start with Thursday. My first Art Prize experience. Though a quick outing, Amanda did a great job of giving me a thorough tour of downtown and some great outdoor art installations. Which then prepared me for Friday. This is how Friday went and what I enjoyed most:

Toilet Tricycle Race put on by the Dufala Brothers, Ahhhh-mazing!

Phone call from Jeff then seeing his brother Joel randomly on the street. Enjoying a White Peach Bellini Martini from my first trip to Republic, which I'd give a 9. Running into the Shingledeckers on Cherry street and having a small world moment (which really I had all day, and kind of all weekend). Taking a second trip through WMCAT (awesome building. can I work here please?) and seeing Rex and Monica Rainey. Holla, PHS! Finding my new favorite quote "do the right thing every dog-gone day of your life" under a massive table and chairs. Getting a ride back to Amanda's for a sleepover :)

This is how Saturday went:

I finished what felt like a very long 13 mile run with a less than satisfactory feeling at the end both mentally and physically. Hello, blisters and weird hip pain, I don't want to be friends anymore, please leave now. Could this be from the 5 hour jaunt across Grand Rapids I did last night? Oh well, that won't happen again. And I'll certainly eat dinner the night before too. And then maybe I'll be able to follow it up with an actual nap instead of laying in bed dreading the fact that I have to work for 5 hours that night because someone doesn't know how to do their job. Let's just say Saturday wasn't my favorite but I made it through with only minor irritations. But not to worry because Sunday brought the following and redeemed the day prior:

a church service that couldn't have been more tailored to what I needed to hear when I needed to hear it. T-Pain, Akon and Kanye, enough said. A trip to Dunkin Donuts, mmm coffeeeeeee. Taking a personal day from work so I could heal both mentally and physically from the day before (it worked). Checking out all kinds of art with Adam and Jenna. Meeting up with Colleen and her parents, you wonderful Nelsens, you. Also meeting up with Jeff and Joel DeBlaay and Face, who I will call Face forever because I can. Running into my Aunt Bonnie in the middle of 20,000 people. Finally visiting ActiveSite and seeing the Rainey's again. The Old Federal Building, I love you. Parsley Mediterranean Grille, I love you too. Seeing Rob Bell and his adorable family. Making Amy call into work because of car trouble I caused, ha. Not meeting up with Missy and Dan (this was disappointing, don't take this wrong) which led to a wonderful phone conversation by the B.O.B and reminded me of why Missy is so wonderful. More back and forth across the city which included my first visit to Founders and witnessing the consumption of quite possibly the most disgusting beer ever (who puts chocolate and habanero peppers in a beer, it's gross already!) Thai food for dinner at XO with Amy, Joel L and Amanda and my second martini for the weekend, the classic Peach, which I'd give an 8. One to begin the weekend and one to end. There was so much to see and do, to take in, to process. And I came out alive and inspired. I don't know about what yet but I'll let you know when I do. God brings hope through despair when we need it the most and sometimes He does it with a weekend like this. Thank you to all who were a part of it.

I've been sitting here for probably about 5 minutes trying to figure out how to begin and this is all I came up with. I have no zip today but I'm trying to get past it. Besides, it's not about today, it's about Saturday. And Saturday was a good day. I didn't have to work. It's the strangest feeling having a day off that most people normally have off. I didn't know what to do. I'm so used to filling up my time, it was wonderful to just sit and chill and not get a thing done. And then it was time for the usual.

I had a martini night milestone this time around. The waitress didn't have to see my ID to get my menu. You know what that means don't you? Yes that's right, I'm becoming a regular :) I had decided since I was a bit behind that this week I would knock two options off the menu. I started with the Sun-Tini which felt very summery (and strong). I liked it but I'm giving it a 7. There just wasn't anything phenomenal about it. The next was the Fruit Loop which may have looked like sewer water(see picture to left) but I assure you, was no where close. You have to like melon in order to enjoy this tasty treat, consider yourself warned if you do not, and I give it a 7.2. Nice flavor but not for everyone, mainly those that don't like melon.

I'd love to be able to start a whole discussion on something intense that we talked about but there isn't anything to talk about. And by no means was this a disappointing evening. It was perfect. We laughed, we danced (in our seats), we enjoyed each others company. I hope I never forget how fulfilling just spending time with quality people is. Even if we do sit there and talk about cat costumes and flash mobs.

Nightly wrap-up:

Attendees: Jenna, Julie, Adam and the round table

Drinks had: Sun-Tini and Fruit Loop

Best moment: admitting I'm a Miley fan. ha.

my own two cents

This week I am going to cut to the chase. I took a gamble on the Money Penny and I feel I came out even. My actual rating would be a 6 though at first taste it received a 7. Amy, I'm sorry you didn't get a clear rating before you ordered :)

And now I'll share on my "you have got to be kidding me" moment. In the middle of my martini, which I was still trying to decide my feelings on, some friends walked in the door. Or maybe I would say acquaintances. (this was the moment) I just had to laugh because of the inevitable encounter approaching and I must say I'm slightly shocked at the other parties' reaction. I got acknowledged in a "oh, I think I knew you once...(walk away dramatically)" way. And then the other person says nothing. Now in a way I'm not complaining because it could have been drawn out but also, martinis don't like drama and neither do I. So it got me thinking about friends vs. acquaintances. I think the latter, for some reason, has a bad stigma with it. Like, if you're only an acquaintance that's a bad thing. Really? I think it's better than an enemy, or better yet a frienemy. It might be a difficult situation if somehow the friendship has moved to just acquaintances but it's most likely for the better. I mean come on, can anyone really stay friends with everyone they meet? It's impossible! Most of you can't even remember the name of your best friend from 4th grade. Ok, that's the end of my rant. Thanks for listening and as always, your thoughts are welcomed.

Nightly wrap-up
Martini: Money Penny
Attendees: Amy, Jenna, Oven, Kate, Lena and poor Jon :)
Best moment: fully enjoying the night and being in bed by 11 (totally not lame!)

be with who you're with

Oh martini night, you have been hard to visit with lately. I'm sorry, I will see you soon, I promise.

I did however visit elsewhere. On friday evening I attended the LaBarge/Lam wedding, which was wonderful, and took advantage of Boatwerks' Pomegranite Martini at the reception. Let me just state: either Boatwerks makes one heck of a strong martini or 84 East does exactly the opposite because that was one strong martini in a very large glass. Not that this rating counts but I would give this one a 7, flavorful but a heavy lime flavor coming through from somewhere....(note the large, but empty glass)

On to my next thought, which happens to be the subject line. Allow me to explain. We've all been there. We're hanging out with friends or family and think we're having a good time, there might even be people there we haven't seen in some time and then we notice that person, you know who they are, that's texting under the table. And they think no one notices?! Or worse, they don't care! I noticed this happening this past weekend. I'm not going to give actual people or actual stories but I think we can all think of a time that we were with someone but they weren't really there. They weren't present, their attention was elsewhere and you know what, I'd like to say that's rude. Just rude. I understand that there are times when you're at a very casual event or communication is necessary but what I'd really like is for you to be with who you're with. Period. And those are my thoughts on that.