Friday, 29 May 2009

• The UPDATE
  

  So this note was supposed to be about my “best weekend in recent memory” right? Well, that lovely experience was compliments of my dear friend Emily Bintz and HER nearest and dearest.  Em and I met in Texas almost 4 years ago through a mutual friend and became insta-friends.  She is marrying the love of her life in June so this past weekend was her “bridal shower”.  Let me say – if THAT is how bridal showers are done, it was my first =).  No silly games or secret stickers on plates, just quality time with friends (mostly new ones for me), a spa day, a gorgeous lake house, yummy food, LOTS of laughs and great conversations.  We were utterly and completely girly even with some male presence – they embraced our girly beautifully – I mean, like champs.

  I got into Charlotte on the Saturday before Memorial Day, miraculously at the same time as Em’s parents and sister.  We all rode to Michelle’s house (Em’s best friend) together where I was greeted with possibly the best and tightest I-haven’t-seen-you-in-forever-ohmygosh-I-love-you HUG.  You see, Emily and I only actually spent about 2 months in the same place, the entire rest of our friendship has been forged long distance, through my cancer, a career and life move for her, and both of us finishing degrees…it’s been work, but an absolute delight  =)  Anyway, I love her to tiny pieces and was elated to be able to see her and meet her peeps before the wedding.  We got the grand tour, hung out for a bit, noshed on veggie and red pepper hummus with carrots and olives before leaving for the spa.  We had a lunch of grilled salmon, steam broccoli, buffalo mozzarella and tomato flatbread with Caesar salad on the patio before changing into our comfy spa robes.  We all got different treatments; I got a mani/pedi with a break in the middle for more small snacks, a flip through Harper’s Bazaar and a mimosa while kicking back in a “Ladies Lounge” chaise.  All the while thinking, “I was made for this” =D

  All scrubbed, painted, pressure pointed, massaged and otherwise beautified we headed home for more relaxing, talking and eating.  We had a surprise slumber party themed girl’s night for Emily, with new nighties and chick flicks.  We had pizza and salad before chocolate cake and Champaign followed by our best attempt at a respectable cocktail.  We tried…but we were tired =).  A few of us made it through Never Been Kissed, I totally forgot how adorable that movie is…even with all the vicarious humiliation.  Off to bed we went, or went again as it were.  Monica, Em and I stayed up talking for a while, it felt very dorm like and fun.  Sleep came and went, it was wonderful.  I actually woke up really early but when I remembered where I was, I forced myself out of bed to go enjoy the view.  You know you’re officially old when you will not allow yourself to sleep through vacation.  We got ready and would have take the boat to the brunch spot but between the intermittent rain and the baby, it was best to drive.  I had some smoke salmon with Gruyere deliciousness and a poached egg…followed by pumpkin brioche bread pudding with maple ice cream, caramel drizzle and pecans!  O-M-G!!!  Who knew dessert after brunch was acceptable?!  I will never eat breakfast again!

  Back to the house for the actual bridal shower part where we gave gifts and each received the most beautiful and heartfelt message from Emily – it made everyone cry.  Plus I’m a words of affirmation girl, so it was all kinds of lovin’ for me =)

  After the shower I got to see an old friend and spent the later part of the afternoon and evening on a different part of the lake, on a boat ride, having a delicious and meaty dinner, learning I was better at video games when I was 7.  Although, I did win whatever we were playing 3 times in a row, and no, I am not competitive at all!  There was cheesecake with fresh berries, a precious puppy and the best tour of uptown Charlotte I could have gotten.  I think it looks best in the dark and pouring rain actually =)

  There was so much to see, hear and feel…I felt like I was there for a week!  It was so neat to meet new people from totally different backgrounds than me and feel genuine connections with them.  I’m really looking forward to seeing them again at the end of June!  That may not be what you thought I was writing about, but that’s my definition of an AMAZING weekend!!

  In other news, I got a JOB and I’m MOVING!  Those are also great stories but I will have to write that note Monday maybe.  I have to go to sleep now and technically  - I haven’t packed a thing.  I pick up the 14’ Uhaul tomorrow morning =).  Lisa asked who was going to be able to drive it – seriously?  Duh.

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