Meandering Marbles: Weekend Recap

I had an amazing weekend with my friends. It started on Friday at 5, when Ben and I donned our gay apparel (of which there are unfortunately no photos), warmed up with some Rumple Minze, headed over to Rice Village for the 2nd St. Arnold's Christmas Pub Crawl. We were joined by David, his girlfriend Gabi, her twin brother David, Alex, his girlfriend Erin, her friend Hayley, Chris, and his girlfriend Amy. And we saw about a bazillion other real estate people out as well. Because I was supposed to go to Sarah A's party afterwards, I was looking extra ridiculous, which encouraged many a drunkard to approach me to take a photo with them ,and in the Christmas spirit, I did not object. Sadly, none of the cameras used were within our group, so I have no photographic evidence of the night, but we were all quite a sight. As per the norm, I lost my group (how they couldn't spot my antlers is beyond me) and was left with David (the twin brother of the other David's girlfriend). I'm not really sure what happened, but somehow we ended up at his house, and then I ended up at my house only to discover that Sadie had "eaten" an entire pack of batteries. It turns out she had just hidden them in her bed and toy box. . .silly puppy dog.

Saturday morning, I wake up, have my obligatory 6 am text conversation with James, and then I text Ben to see if he had taken Hayley home (there was some major flirting going on there). He let me know that no, he had not taken her home, but rather SHE had taken HIM home, and could I come get him. At 6:30 in the morning. Not feeling absolutely stellar, I said I needed a minute to brush my teeth and gather myself to drive through the fog (actual, and in my mind). While brushing my teeth I realized that I had not made the best decisions the night before, and started to puke. Repeatedly. Sadie must have known what was going on, because she came and laid with me on the floor until I could gather enough strength to go pick up Ben. So we finally made our way to pick him up (he was still wearing his Christmas tie), and got to hear about his wild night. And then I started feeling really sick. I think Ben was grossed out/impressed that I could puke and drive. I dropped him off at his house, and then spent the morning cleaning, cooking and listening to Christmas music. That evening I had Anna's Christmas party, where I took some toys (see photos below) and got to spend time with the most darling and genuine girls I know. And Kelly and I discovered our mutual love of playing games, so we're going to start organizing a game night- should be fun!! It's also really strange, but every time I go out with those girls, I rarely drink, but also leave with a full tummy of delicious food- a much better way to use those calories if you ask me!!

Sunday after going to the early service at St. Martin's, I was changing back into my pajamas when I noticed that a giant bruise had formed around one of my sutures, and it was causing some major throbbing. That and I was feeling mighty ill from a combination of allergies and just being under the weather, so I decided to cancel all other plans (even my brunch date with a very handsome young man) and take care of myself. After I rested for a while, I gathered the bags that were scattered around the house, and took them to the Salvation Army, only to learn that they were closed on Sunday. That evening I made paella (chicken, mussels, crawfish, shrimp, chorizo) for myself and did some sewing and painting. And despite feeling slightly exhausted, it was the first time in a while that I had sat alone and felt overwhelmingly happy. I don't know if it's because of church, a great weekend with friends, or maybe it's giving to others, but I just felt a warmth and joy that I hadn't felt in a while. It was a very comforting moment.

I went to the doctor this morning to find out about the bruising (just as a precaution), and everything is fine. Fun story though: I didn't have an appointment, so I just showed up at the time they opened, hoping I could be seen. I approached the front desk and said, "I really need to get my sutures looked at, there is some major bruising going on." I told her I would be happy to show her, and then started to lift up my dress, and she assured me that she would get a doctor to look at me. Her face was priceless (and just for the record I wouldn't have actually lifted up my dress, just spicing up the day).

At Anna's party in my Santa hat!!