Paula, my college roommate, came to visit this weekend. Paula and I have been through some stuff (okay, a LOT of stuff) together. I was going to go on and on about all the things I love about her, but I realized I've already done that on this blog, many times. So I'll just talk about what we did.
Our weekend began with happy hour at Gallo Blanco, followed by my birthday celebration at Mabel's on Main in Scottsdale. Amanda insisted that a canyon was not enough of a celebration, because that's what I would have been doing that day, anyway, so I chose Mabel's because, according to the New Times, they have the best Old Fashioned cocktails in the Valley.
They New Times didn't lie. They made them with Buffalo Trace bourbon, which is my second favorite bourbon. So honestly, a lot of the night is a blur, but I know I was really loud and had a lot of fun. I was really happy with the random group of people that showed up, and I hope they all enjoyed themselves, too. Here is a really terrible group shot:
I would like to apologize to my friends for posting this unflattering picture, but I feel like I need some pictorial evidence of the evening.
This one is a little better:
Before I'd had too many Old Fashioned's, Amanda requested that everyone go around the table and say their favorite thing about me. I was really embarrassed, because she'd already done that on our canyon trip, but she was insistent. It was a really beautiful moment, so I want to remember what everyone said.
Meeghan talked about my heart for kids and teaching the kids that are hardest to teach.
Jenna said that I always have adventures up my sleeve, like the time we drove all the way to Mesa for a cookie. Jason chimed in and says that sounded about right; that I could be out in the middle of the desert and still know where to find the best baked goods within a 50 mile radius.
Amanda said that even when I'm angry or depressed, I'm still smiling and delivering baked goods to sick people.
Paula said that even though I get really passionate and worked up about things, I am willing to back down and forgive.
Jason said TWO nice things about me. I couldn't even handle it. First, he called me a badass and said that he trusts me with other people's lives in canyons, and that's why he invites me in groups where it's all new people. Later he said, "Let's be honest. You don't really bring anything to a (canyoneering) team. You can't carry the rope, and we know we'll be going a little slower if you come along. But... you're Erin. And that's what you contribute."
I almost burst into tears, but I didn't want to embarrass both of us.
Everyone's words meant so much to me; I sent thank you notes with my favorite things about each of them.
The next day, Paula and I went for a drive down the Apache Trail. We both hate all of the pictures, so I can't even post half of them, but I gotta have some documentation of our fun! (I seriously need to take a photography class.)
We ate at Tortilla Flat
and enjoyed the scenery.
We stopped at Tonto National Monument so I could get a stamp for my passport book.
Our weekend began with happy hour at Gallo Blanco, followed by my birthday celebration at Mabel's on Main in Scottsdale. Amanda insisted that a canyon was not enough of a celebration, because that's what I would have been doing that day, anyway, so I chose Mabel's because, according to the New Times, they have the best Old Fashioned cocktails in the Valley.
They New Times didn't lie. They made them with Buffalo Trace bourbon, which is my second favorite bourbon. So honestly, a lot of the night is a blur, but I know I was really loud and had a lot of fun. I was really happy with the random group of people that showed up, and I hope they all enjoyed themselves, too. Here is a really terrible group shot:
I would like to apologize to my friends for posting this unflattering picture, but I feel like I need some pictorial evidence of the evening.
This one is a little better:
(Me, Amanda, and Jason)
Before I'd had too many Old Fashioned's, Amanda requested that everyone go around the table and say their favorite thing about me. I was really embarrassed, because she'd already done that on our canyon trip, but she was insistent. It was a really beautiful moment, so I want to remember what everyone said.
Meeghan talked about my heart for kids and teaching the kids that are hardest to teach.
Jenna said that I always have adventures up my sleeve, like the time we drove all the way to Mesa for a cookie. Jason chimed in and says that sounded about right; that I could be out in the middle of the desert and still know where to find the best baked goods within a 50 mile radius.
Amanda said that even when I'm angry or depressed, I'm still smiling and delivering baked goods to sick people.
Paula said that even though I get really passionate and worked up about things, I am willing to back down and forgive.
Jason said TWO nice things about me. I couldn't even handle it. First, he called me a badass and said that he trusts me with other people's lives in canyons, and that's why he invites me in groups where it's all new people. Later he said, "Let's be honest. You don't really bring anything to a (canyoneering) team. You can't carry the rope, and we know we'll be going a little slower if you come along. But... you're Erin. And that's what you contribute."
I almost burst into tears, but I didn't want to embarrass both of us.
Everyone's words meant so much to me; I sent thank you notes with my favorite things about each of them.
The next day, Paula and I went for a drive down the Apache Trail. We both hate all of the pictures, so I can't even post half of them, but I gotta have some documentation of our fun! (I seriously need to take a photography class.)
We ate at Tortilla Flat
and enjoyed the scenery.
We stopped at Tonto National Monument so I could get a stamp for my passport book.
(It's hard to see, but there are cliff dwellings above me.)
We shopped and had ice cream in Globe, where the owners told us about a naked man who roams the woods near Young. Bernie, is that you? I had to ask if the man wears yellow Crocs.
We had dinner at Welcome Diner (I am obsessed with their fried green tomato sandwich) and went home and watched Sherlock and planned DIY projects for my apartment.
The next morning, we had breakfast at Vovomeena , and then it was already time to take her to the airport. I stalled, driving around the Willo district to show her all the pretty homes. It's hard to say goodbye when you don't know when you'll see each other again! But we always figure it out. And I'm so glad we got this time together.
Comments