Yesterday, Karen and I hung out with my friends (Marc and Kelley).
Marc has been taking care of my friend's (Amy) cats this week. Amy, who I refer to as "The Czar" because the first four letters of her last name are c-z-a-r (so as to not be confused with Aimee or Hot Amy), has been away visiting one of her friends. So while she was away, she asked Marc to feed her cats, rub their bellies, and do all of those things that cats desire and want.
And it just so happens that Amy and her cats live in the nearby town of Marshfield, home of Steve Carrell and Steven Tyler. So Marc and Kelley decided to head our way for the night.
Our first destination: the Halfway Cafe. Now, I suck at the Halfway Cafe. I have not been to the Halfway Cafe in Marshfield in quite some time(possibly over a year). The last time I was there, I think I was with my BFF (Kerry).
Anyway, the food there was delicious as usual. Plus, it's hard to beat the 7 for $7 specials. For anyone curious, I had Evan's Seafood Scampi. (Cue Rachael Ray's "Yum-o" sound.) I think all of us had one of the specials, with the exception of Marc who ordered his usual pizza. And for any woman wanting to go, it turns out that Wednesday is ladies night. (Tuesday is trivia night there.)
Following dinner, the four of us headed over to Amy's to check up on her cats. I had never been to Amy's prior to last night. So naturally, I had to christen her bathroom because that's what I do. And in true cat whisperer fashion, Amy's cats came out to say hello to both Karen and I. Cats must have that sense to detect those who are allergic to them.
Nevertheless, it was nice to see Amy's place. A part of me feels bad that I do not visit her more often since she is in nearby Marshfield. Of course, if I did visit her often, I would probably die from the cats. Speaking of her pets, I was quite surprised to find out that her pets were actually normal.
Growing up, Amy used to have what could best be described as a zoo of misfit animals. I remember she had this huge dog with itty bitty legs that could barely lift the dog's torso off the ground. The dog's name happened to be "Legs". Amy used to take in all sorts of animals because she felt bad for them. Anyway, it was good to visit Amy's place. Too bad Amy was away.
Following Amy's, the four of us headed back to our place to watch a couple of episodes of Angel. The episodes that we watched were: "Dear Boy" about Darla's return, and "Guise Will Be Guise", where Wesley impersonates Angel in order to be a bodyguard for a wealthy businessman's daughter.
Both episodes were fantastic. To end the night on a comedic note, we even decided to watch the latest episode of Wipeout. Wipeout is such an addictive show.
Anyway, it was another fun night of just hanging out. It was definitely much needed because I have been a little pensive of late.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
I Suck At Public Meetings
Last night, Karen and I attended our town's public meeting. On the agenda for the public meeting was the Conservation Commission's hearing in regards to Jacob's Pond, which is located in our neighborhood. Now I suck at public meetings. Well, truth be told... I should actually say the Conservation Commission sucks at public meetings. The meeting last night only reinforced my disappointed with government bureaucracies.
For anyone curious, the meeting was brought to the neighborhood's attention (albeit a little late) because the Jacobs Pond Estates, which is the senior housing located on the opposite side of the pond, is asking to be relieved of their annual contribution to the cleanup and maintenance of the pond. Sure, it seems like a harmless request.
Unfortunately, the problem is far greater than what it seems. In fact, the problem dates back to the creation of the Jacobs Pond Estates itself which is almost ten years ago. According to the written documentation, the original proposal to build the Jacobs Pond Estates failed to gain any support. In order to gain the support of residents, the builder went door to door to speak to the residents of the neighborhood to see what concessions he could make so that he could build the Jacobs Pond Estates. The concession that finally appeased the residents was that the builder and the subsequent owners of the Jacobs Pond Estates would contribute annually to the cleaning and maintenance of the pond. Again, that sounds great.
Unfortunately, this is where things get complicated. The payments were to be made to the town's Conservation Commission. It turns out... the Conservation Commission has not collected any payment from the Jacobs Pond Estates for over 5 years. Apparently, the commission just forgot about collecting the funds altogether.
It was not until a couple of years ago that the Conservation Commission discovered this error. Naturally, they then asked the Jacobs Pond Estates for the funds from all the years that they, the commission themselves, forgot to collect. Naturally, that caused an uproar with the Jacobs Pond Estates. (Don't get the elderly angry.)
Balking at the request, the Jacobs Pond Estates asked to be relieved of this annual contribution. In response, the Conservation Commission said they would consider relieving the Jacobs Pond Estates of this annual contribution based on whether their septic was contributing to the wasted in the pond itself... which is really not even the original intent of the formation of the annual contribution.
And thus, that is the history in a quick nutshell. Last night's meeting was absolutely useless. As of right now, I'm afraid I do not have any faith in government... regardless of whatever decision the commission makes.
Had the commission diligently collected the annual funds, the shock of the request for the large sum of money for the past collections would have been lessened. The Jacobs Pond Estates still may or may not be asking to be relieved of this fund, but at least the town would have had the funds to clean up the pond.
Never once did the Conservation Commission ever admit fault or took responsibility for the creation of this entire fiasco. The commission just said they are not accountants and it just happened. For me, I would have respected the Conservation Commission had they, in fact, admitted to their errors. The passing of the buck has always annoyed me. If that is a frequent occurrence in government, then my faith in government is lacking. Even if the commission provided a course to rectify the situation, I would have been appeased. But sadly, no. (I'd shake my fist at the Conservation Commission if I thought it would help.)
That said, the Jacobs Pond Estates also never admitted fault or took responsibility for not making past payments. One of arguments made by the Jacobs Pond Estates is that they are on a fixed income and are being singled out to carry the burden of cleaning up the pond.
Now I can sympathize with them to a certain degree. After all, the economy is not well. Times are tough. No one wants to pay more than they have to. That said, this annual contribution is written in their deed... the very same deed that they must sign when they purchase housing there. It's a written legal document.
The Jacobs Pond Estates should be ashamed of themselves if they did not read their documentation. After all, if someone agrees and writes that they will pay me any amount of funds, you better believe that I am going to diligently collect the funds and hold that person to the agreement. I don't think I know anyone who wouldn't. I can only wish that I could forget to pay bills... and then complain later that I have to pay them.
All in all, last night was an exercise in futility. It's very disappointing when bureaucrats ruin things by shifting the focus and not taking responsibility of their actions. It's disappointing in how people can think cry foul over something that they personally (and legally) agreed to do in the first place.
Needless to say, my outlook on society right now is bleak.
For anyone curious, the meeting was brought to the neighborhood's attention (albeit a little late) because the Jacobs Pond Estates, which is the senior housing located on the opposite side of the pond, is asking to be relieved of their annual contribution to the cleanup and maintenance of the pond. Sure, it seems like a harmless request.
Unfortunately, the problem is far greater than what it seems. In fact, the problem dates back to the creation of the Jacobs Pond Estates itself which is almost ten years ago. According to the written documentation, the original proposal to build the Jacobs Pond Estates failed to gain any support. In order to gain the support of residents, the builder went door to door to speak to the residents of the neighborhood to see what concessions he could make so that he could build the Jacobs Pond Estates. The concession that finally appeased the residents was that the builder and the subsequent owners of the Jacobs Pond Estates would contribute annually to the cleaning and maintenance of the pond. Again, that sounds great.
Unfortunately, this is where things get complicated. The payments were to be made to the town's Conservation Commission. It turns out... the Conservation Commission has not collected any payment from the Jacobs Pond Estates for over 5 years. Apparently, the commission just forgot about collecting the funds altogether.
It was not until a couple of years ago that the Conservation Commission discovered this error. Naturally, they then asked the Jacobs Pond Estates for the funds from all the years that they, the commission themselves, forgot to collect. Naturally, that caused an uproar with the Jacobs Pond Estates. (Don't get the elderly angry.)
Balking at the request, the Jacobs Pond Estates asked to be relieved of this annual contribution. In response, the Conservation Commission said they would consider relieving the Jacobs Pond Estates of this annual contribution based on whether their septic was contributing to the wasted in the pond itself... which is really not even the original intent of the formation of the annual contribution.
And thus, that is the history in a quick nutshell. Last night's meeting was absolutely useless. As of right now, I'm afraid I do not have any faith in government... regardless of whatever decision the commission makes.
Had the commission diligently collected the annual funds, the shock of the request for the large sum of money for the past collections would have been lessened. The Jacobs Pond Estates still may or may not be asking to be relieved of this fund, but at least the town would have had the funds to clean up the pond.
Never once did the Conservation Commission ever admit fault or took responsibility for the creation of this entire fiasco. The commission just said they are not accountants and it just happened. For me, I would have respected the Conservation Commission had they, in fact, admitted to their errors. The passing of the buck has always annoyed me. If that is a frequent occurrence in government, then my faith in government is lacking. Even if the commission provided a course to rectify the situation, I would have been appeased. But sadly, no. (I'd shake my fist at the Conservation Commission if I thought it would help.)
That said, the Jacobs Pond Estates also never admitted fault or took responsibility for not making past payments. One of arguments made by the Jacobs Pond Estates is that they are on a fixed income and are being singled out to carry the burden of cleaning up the pond.
Now I can sympathize with them to a certain degree. After all, the economy is not well. Times are tough. No one wants to pay more than they have to. That said, this annual contribution is written in their deed... the very same deed that they must sign when they purchase housing there. It's a written legal document.
The Jacobs Pond Estates should be ashamed of themselves if they did not read their documentation. After all, if someone agrees and writes that they will pay me any amount of funds, you better believe that I am going to diligently collect the funds and hold that person to the agreement. I don't think I know anyone who wouldn't. I can only wish that I could forget to pay bills... and then complain later that I have to pay them.
All in all, last night was an exercise in futility. It's very disappointing when bureaucrats ruin things by shifting the focus and not taking responsibility of their actions. It's disappointing in how people can think cry foul over something that they personally (and legally) agreed to do in the first place.
Needless to say, my outlook on society right now is bleak.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
I Suck At Hanging Out With Joanna
Yesterday, Karen and I met up with my friends (Jen and Joanna) and my BFF (Kerry). Joanna, who currently lives in Oregon, is back for a visit because her brother is expecting a baby any day now. Now, I suck at hanging out with Joanna.
For anyone curious, Joanna is a vegetarian. So naturally, we decided to meet at Fish 'N Chicken, which is located in Quincy. (Like most restaurants, there are other items on the menu besides fish or chicken.)
Joanna cracks me up. I'll have to give her credit though. She was way into recycling and reusing well before the trend of going green became popular. It so happens that Joanna was the person who created a coupon wallet out of extra milk carton labels for Karen. And yes, Karen still uses that wallet whenever she goes grocery shopping.
Karen even suggested that Joanna, and her mad milk carton skills, start her own television show. Since getting Verizon FIOS, Karen and I have been addicted to the Planet Green channel. The content of the shows are great. For some shows, however, the hosts are simply terrible. The hosts make the show painful to watch at times. Hence the idea of Joanna having her own recycling television show. It all fits. Plus, I even came up with a name for her show. We just need her to get on board, of course.
Anyway, that was just one of the silly ideas that we discussed yesterday. Among the other topics of discussion included Joanna's brother's (Jon) aspiring manuscript awaiting publication, her father's tomato plants (which could be part of Joanna's television show!), her failure to accept her father as a "friend" on Facebook, and Kerry's FEMA application.
It's funny what people remember about you when you haven't seen them in awhile. With Jon having recently written the great American novel, Joanna thought about how I had enjoyed writing at one time in my life. Particularly, she remembered my penchant for writing screenplays... which I guess explains why I enjoy watching so many movies.
Naturally, I almost felt compelled and inspired to try to write again when Joanna brought the topic of writing up. Almost. Nevertheless, it was a nice feeling to reminisce about the past and enjoy the simpler things.
Anyway, I had a good time last night. Of course, the ice cream dinner may have also helped. I'm a glutton for ice cream.
For anyone curious, Joanna is a vegetarian. So naturally, we decided to meet at Fish 'N Chicken, which is located in Quincy. (Like most restaurants, there are other items on the menu besides fish or chicken.)
Joanna cracks me up. I'll have to give her credit though. She was way into recycling and reusing well before the trend of going green became popular. It so happens that Joanna was the person who created a coupon wallet out of extra milk carton labels for Karen. And yes, Karen still uses that wallet whenever she goes grocery shopping.
Karen even suggested that Joanna, and her mad milk carton skills, start her own television show. Since getting Verizon FIOS, Karen and I have been addicted to the Planet Green channel. The content of the shows are great. For some shows, however, the hosts are simply terrible. The hosts make the show painful to watch at times. Hence the idea of Joanna having her own recycling television show. It all fits. Plus, I even came up with a name for her show. We just need her to get on board, of course.
Anyway, that was just one of the silly ideas that we discussed yesterday. Among the other topics of discussion included Joanna's brother's (Jon) aspiring manuscript awaiting publication, her father's tomato plants (which could be part of Joanna's television show!), her failure to accept her father as a "friend" on Facebook, and Kerry's FEMA application.
It's funny what people remember about you when you haven't seen them in awhile. With Jon having recently written the great American novel, Joanna thought about how I had enjoyed writing at one time in my life. Particularly, she remembered my penchant for writing screenplays... which I guess explains why I enjoy watching so many movies.
Naturally, I almost felt compelled and inspired to try to write again when Joanna brought the topic of writing up. Almost. Nevertheless, it was a nice feeling to reminisce about the past and enjoy the simpler things.
Anyway, I had a good time last night. Of course, the ice cream dinner may have also helped. I'm a glutton for ice cream.
I Suck At Celebrating My Mom's Birthday
Yesterday was my mother's birthday. Happy birthday, mom! I love you! Of course, I suck at celebrating my mom's birthday. In fact, with everything that has been on my mind lately, I almost forgot about her birthday altogether. It was not until Karen mentioned it that I remembered.
After work, I went to my parents' house to see my mom wish her a happy birthday. Her eyes lit up with excitement when Karen and I showed up. Lately, I have not had the time to stop by for a visit. I know it's generally time for a visit when my mom starts laying the whole guilt trip thing about never stopping by. (I think that's what mothers do...)
I actually shouldn't complain. I love my mom. And if there's anything that the passing of my son (Braden) has taught me, it's that time is precious. I should cherish the time that I have with my mom... and everyone in my life really... because you never know much time there will be left. I only had a week with Braden and although things did not work out, it was an amazing week.
It's too bad things with Braden did not work out. My mother would have been on cloud nine having a grandson. I can just tell that she would have been giddy. I know it's not my fault, but I do sometimes feel like I let her down in that regards. If Karen were pregnant, telling my mom the news on her birthday would have been the best present. My mom would have been so happy... not that she would not have been happy otherwise.
Unfortunately, I don't know if things will ever be right again. I guess time will tell. Anyway, happy birthday mom! I hope you had a great day.
After work, I went to my parents' house to see my mom wish her a happy birthday. Her eyes lit up with excitement when Karen and I showed up. Lately, I have not had the time to stop by for a visit. I know it's generally time for a visit when my mom starts laying the whole guilt trip thing about never stopping by. (I think that's what mothers do...)
I actually shouldn't complain. I love my mom. And if there's anything that the passing of my son (Braden) has taught me, it's that time is precious. I should cherish the time that I have with my mom... and everyone in my life really... because you never know much time there will be left. I only had a week with Braden and although things did not work out, it was an amazing week.
It's too bad things with Braden did not work out. My mother would have been on cloud nine having a grandson. I can just tell that she would have been giddy. I know it's not my fault, but I do sometimes feel like I let her down in that regards. If Karen were pregnant, telling my mom the news on her birthday would have been the best present. My mom would have been so happy... not that she would not have been happy otherwise.
Unfortunately, I don't know if things will ever be right again. I guess time will tell. Anyway, happy birthday mom! I hope you had a great day.
Monday, August 3, 2009
I Suck At The Four's
On Sunday, Karen organized a little get together. The location: The Four's restaurant in Norwell. Now I suck at the Four's. The Four's in Norwell, which is just up the street from our house, recently opened not too long ago. Unfortunately, neither Karen nor I have ever gone since it opened. So Sunday provided the perfect opportunity for Karen and I to check out the place.
My friends (Jen, Andrea, Gretchen) and my favorite sister-in-law (Janine) were all able to join us. I think Gretchen may have been somewhat nervous at first because she was meeting Jen and Andrea (possible partners in crime for when she organizes a swinging single women's night out full of booze, debauchery, and men) for the first time. But as the day when on, I think she was able to relax and enjoy herself.
Anyway, the Fours was very nice. There are televisions everywhere. It's hard to get a terrible view of a television screen. Plus, the bar area is quite large. All in all, the place is setup very nicely. And like Andrea suggested, I imagine it would be fun to watch a sporting event there.
As for the food, it was good. The menu was the same as the other Four's locations that I have been to. I ended up having the California Cobb Salad. (Cue Rachael Ray's "Yum-O" sound.) What can I say? I like having hard boiled eggs in my salad.
Needless to say, it was a fun time at the Four's. Being the only guy there was definitely interesting. After all, I got to hear all about waxing. Fun, I know. Although I have to give the women credit... they must have a higher thresh hold of pain when it comes to their nether regions. Not that I would, but I cannot imagine any man handling the waxing of their private parts as gracefully.
My friends (Jen, Andrea, Gretchen) and my favorite sister-in-law (Janine) were all able to join us. I think Gretchen may have been somewhat nervous at first because she was meeting Jen and Andrea (possible partners in crime for when she organizes a swinging single women's night out full of booze, debauchery, and men) for the first time. But as the day when on, I think she was able to relax and enjoy herself.
Anyway, the Fours was very nice. There are televisions everywhere. It's hard to get a terrible view of a television screen. Plus, the bar area is quite large. All in all, the place is setup very nicely. And like Andrea suggested, I imagine it would be fun to watch a sporting event there.
As for the food, it was good. The menu was the same as the other Four's locations that I have been to. I ended up having the California Cobb Salad. (Cue Rachael Ray's "Yum-O" sound.) What can I say? I like having hard boiled eggs in my salad.
Needless to say, it was a fun time at the Four's. Being the only guy there was definitely interesting. After all, I got to hear all about waxing. Fun, I know. Although I have to give the women credit... they must have a higher thresh hold of pain when it comes to their nether regions. Not that I would, but I cannot imagine any man handling the waxing of their private parts as gracefully.
I Suck At Celebrating My Friend's Birthday
Saturday marked the beginning of a couple of things.
For starters, I mowed the lawn shirtless. Now before you envision my strapping chest with its single strand of chest hair, there is a reason for my shirtless lawn mowing. The reason: the farmer's tan.
I have developed quite the farmer's tan... through previous lawn mowing with a t-shirt in the hot summer sun. It was suggested to me some time ago that I try mowing the lawn shirtless. So, in an effort to scare my neighbors, I decided to give it a go.
The other more important beginning is... the birthday cycle. Within my circle of friends, August marks the beginning where at least one of my friends was born in the month. The cycle ends in January, only to restart again in August. So, for every month from now until January, Karen and I will most likely be celebrating one of my friend's birthday.
Unfortunately, I suck at celebrating my friend's birthday. On the agenda for Saturday was the celebration for my friend (Cass). Granted, Cass's birthday is not for another week and a half... but his wife (Ellen) wanted to plan it early.
I must say, Cass's birthday celebration was quite the memorable one. In fact, I would rank this birthday celebration up there... in terms of being memorable... with the birthday celebration for my friend (Garv) who was asked to step outside of his very own bar on his very own birthday celebration to settle a dispute... and the birthday celebration whereby there was another drunken dispute and a possible resolution to walk all the way home for my friend's (Marc) birthday celebration. Perhaps I am starting to see a trend in celebrating birthdays.
Cass's birthday celebration started off at the Sunset Grill located in Allston. As a sign of things to come... my friends (Kelley and Leeann) had to back out of the plans. Kelley was sick and Leeann had to work. So in an effort to save the environment, a bunch of us (Marc, Cass, Ellen, Karen, and I) car pooled and plan to meet Garv who was running late. As it turns out, we took a wrong turn on our way to the Sunset Grill.
Eventually, we made it the Sunset Grill. Dinner was fun and great. We had a good time just hanging out as usual... laughing... being silly... you name it. The laughing and good times are but one of the reasons why I always enjoy hanging out with friends.
Anyway, we headed back to Cass and Ellen's after dinner. That was when things went downhill for the birthday boy. It turns out something happened to Cass's father while we were out, which required his father to go to the emergency room. At the time, Cass only had limited information about his father. All he knew was that his father was at the hospital... that an ambulance had to take his father there... and that there was a lot of blood.
As you can imagine, the panic of not knowing is very unnerving. (Cass's father is okay. He received a nasty cut that required stitches.) If the worrying and panic of not knowing what has happened to your father is not enough to make the day officially terrible... it turns out that Cass's car went kaput.
Luckily, Cass had already picked up his father at the hospital at the time and was simply running to get his father his medication. So Cass's car had to then be towed to his mechanic that night.
Needless to say, I feel bad for Cass. I don't think anyone could have predicted the string of unfortunate circumstances on Cass's birthday celebration. But at least his father is doing well. And I suppose, at least Cass was not asked to step outside for a good o' fashioned round of fisticuffs.
For starters, I mowed the lawn shirtless. Now before you envision my strapping chest with its single strand of chest hair, there is a reason for my shirtless lawn mowing. The reason: the farmer's tan.
I have developed quite the farmer's tan... through previous lawn mowing with a t-shirt in the hot summer sun. It was suggested to me some time ago that I try mowing the lawn shirtless. So, in an effort to scare my neighbors, I decided to give it a go.
The other more important beginning is... the birthday cycle. Within my circle of friends, August marks the beginning where at least one of my friends was born in the month. The cycle ends in January, only to restart again in August. So, for every month from now until January, Karen and I will most likely be celebrating one of my friend's birthday.
Unfortunately, I suck at celebrating my friend's birthday. On the agenda for Saturday was the celebration for my friend (Cass). Granted, Cass's birthday is not for another week and a half... but his wife (Ellen) wanted to plan it early.
I must say, Cass's birthday celebration was quite the memorable one. In fact, I would rank this birthday celebration up there... in terms of being memorable... with the birthday celebration for my friend (Garv) who was asked to step outside of his very own bar on his very own birthday celebration to settle a dispute... and the birthday celebration whereby there was another drunken dispute and a possible resolution to walk all the way home for my friend's (Marc) birthday celebration. Perhaps I am starting to see a trend in celebrating birthdays.
Cass's birthday celebration started off at the Sunset Grill located in Allston. As a sign of things to come... my friends (Kelley and Leeann) had to back out of the plans. Kelley was sick and Leeann had to work. So in an effort to save the environment, a bunch of us (Marc, Cass, Ellen, Karen, and I) car pooled and plan to meet Garv who was running late. As it turns out, we took a wrong turn on our way to the Sunset Grill.
Eventually, we made it the Sunset Grill. Dinner was fun and great. We had a good time just hanging out as usual... laughing... being silly... you name it. The laughing and good times are but one of the reasons why I always enjoy hanging out with friends.
Anyway, we headed back to Cass and Ellen's after dinner. That was when things went downhill for the birthday boy. It turns out something happened to Cass's father while we were out, which required his father to go to the emergency room. At the time, Cass only had limited information about his father. All he knew was that his father was at the hospital... that an ambulance had to take his father there... and that there was a lot of blood.
As you can imagine, the panic of not knowing is very unnerving. (Cass's father is okay. He received a nasty cut that required stitches.) If the worrying and panic of not knowing what has happened to your father is not enough to make the day officially terrible... it turns out that Cass's car went kaput.
Luckily, Cass had already picked up his father at the hospital at the time and was simply running to get his father his medication. So Cass's car had to then be towed to his mechanic that night.
Needless to say, I feel bad for Cass. I don't think anyone could have predicted the string of unfortunate circumstances on Cass's birthday celebration. But at least his father is doing well. And I suppose, at least Cass was not asked to step outside for a good o' fashioned round of fisticuffs.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
I Suck At Strawberry Fair
On Friday, Karen and I ended up having an unexpected date night. Earlier in the week, my friend's (Cass) birthday celebration was quickly thrown together within the course of a few days. So unfortunately, Karen and I felt a little rushed in having a present ready and available for Cass at his birthday celebration.
Cass would not have minded had we shown up without a present, but it was the principle of it all. After all, Karen and I hardly see Cass as it is. So it could well be into September or October before he received his birthday present. And really, who likes to receive birthday presents past their birthday?
Needless to say, Karen and I did some scrambling around the South Shore after work for Cass's present on Friday. When all was said and done, we did end up finding Cass his present. Of course, in the mad scramble we had to eat dinner.
For those who know me, I eat a lot. (After all, look at me...) When I start to feel hungry, it is a bad sign. Anyway, Karen and I ended up having dinner at Strawberry Fair in Norwell. Now, I suck at Strawberry Fair.
I have not been to Strawberry Fair in quite some time. The last time I went may have been with my parents. But seeing as how the restaurant was featured in the Zip Trip segment of Fox Morning News not too long ago, I figured it would be nice to go there again.
As usual, the food was delicious. I had the Thanksgiving turkey sandwich (Cue Rachael Ray's "Yum-O" sound). Karen had ordered a small salad. Interestingly enough, a large salad was brought out for Karen. It turns out that Strawberry Fair likes to try to get rid of its food near closing time. Granted, we were there around 8:30pm... but the place was rather empty. Karen and I were practically the only ones there at the time.
There was one elderly couple from North Carolina that had previously been seated near us. The elderly man was up from North Carolina to attend his high school reunion. He graduated from Scituate. It's amazing what you can learn from a little eaves dropping. But it was cute.
Of course, hearing about this elderly man's reunion naturally got me thinking about my own reunion. I was pretty amazed that it has been almost 20 (okay, 17) years since I graduated from high school. It seems so long ago. In fact, I even contemplated attending the next reunion... should it be planned.
Since graduating high school, I had never attended a reunion. My high school class planned a fifth and tenth year reunion... and that has been it thus far. Had I known how inept my fellow classmates were in planning these things, I would probably never have elected them to their class office positions. Damn that thing called popularity. That same stupid high school popularity thing got "Oh, what a night" elected as my prom theme. Who thought that was a good idea?
Anyway, I did not attend the fifth year reunion based on the fact that it was useless. For most everyone I knew at the time, they had gone to college and been out one year. There's not a whole lot to catch up on if you ask me.
For the tenth year reunion, I teeter tottered a little because I thought ample time had passed. Eventually, I decided against going because the reunion was held at a bar. (Again, if I knew how inept my classmates were in planning these things...)
As well, my rational side got the better of me for the tenth year when I started to think about how I'm good with not seeing anyone from high school. The ones I do see from high school... I want to see... because they are my friends. I don't really need to see anyone else. (I guess that's also one of my main reasons for not being a big Facebook supporter. Facebook "friends" are not really friends. Plus, after learning how Facebook has ties to the evil empire known as Microsoft only makes me dislike Facebook more.)
Anyway, dinner with Karen was great. I sometimes feel like we don't have date nights as often as we should. I realize part of that is my problem. Since my son (Braden) passed away in September, I have had many mood swings. Among those swings is a stretch where I lack motivation to do anything. So unfortunately, I do get caught up in doing nothing... a lot.
Cass would not have minded had we shown up without a present, but it was the principle of it all. After all, Karen and I hardly see Cass as it is. So it could well be into September or October before he received his birthday present. And really, who likes to receive birthday presents past their birthday?
Needless to say, Karen and I did some scrambling around the South Shore after work for Cass's present on Friday. When all was said and done, we did end up finding Cass his present. Of course, in the mad scramble we had to eat dinner.
For those who know me, I eat a lot. (After all, look at me...) When I start to feel hungry, it is a bad sign. Anyway, Karen and I ended up having dinner at Strawberry Fair in Norwell. Now, I suck at Strawberry Fair.
I have not been to Strawberry Fair in quite some time. The last time I went may have been with my parents. But seeing as how the restaurant was featured in the Zip Trip segment of Fox Morning News not too long ago, I figured it would be nice to go there again.
As usual, the food was delicious. I had the Thanksgiving turkey sandwich (Cue Rachael Ray's "Yum-O" sound). Karen had ordered a small salad. Interestingly enough, a large salad was brought out for Karen. It turns out that Strawberry Fair likes to try to get rid of its food near closing time. Granted, we were there around 8:30pm... but the place was rather empty. Karen and I were practically the only ones there at the time.
There was one elderly couple from North Carolina that had previously been seated near us. The elderly man was up from North Carolina to attend his high school reunion. He graduated from Scituate. It's amazing what you can learn from a little eaves dropping. But it was cute.
Of course, hearing about this elderly man's reunion naturally got me thinking about my own reunion. I was pretty amazed that it has been almost 20 (okay, 17) years since I graduated from high school. It seems so long ago. In fact, I even contemplated attending the next reunion... should it be planned.
Since graduating high school, I had never attended a reunion. My high school class planned a fifth and tenth year reunion... and that has been it thus far. Had I known how inept my fellow classmates were in planning these things, I would probably never have elected them to their class office positions. Damn that thing called popularity. That same stupid high school popularity thing got "Oh, what a night" elected as my prom theme. Who thought that was a good idea?
Anyway, I did not attend the fifth year reunion based on the fact that it was useless. For most everyone I knew at the time, they had gone to college and been out one year. There's not a whole lot to catch up on if you ask me.
For the tenth year reunion, I teeter tottered a little because I thought ample time had passed. Eventually, I decided against going because the reunion was held at a bar. (Again, if I knew how inept my classmates were in planning these things...)
As well, my rational side got the better of me for the tenth year when I started to think about how I'm good with not seeing anyone from high school. The ones I do see from high school... I want to see... because they are my friends. I don't really need to see anyone else. (I guess that's also one of my main reasons for not being a big Facebook supporter. Facebook "friends" are not really friends. Plus, after learning how Facebook has ties to the evil empire known as Microsoft only makes me dislike Facebook more.)
Anyway, dinner with Karen was great. I sometimes feel like we don't have date nights as often as we should. I realize part of that is my problem. Since my son (Braden) passed away in September, I have had many mood swings. Among those swings is a stretch where I lack motivation to do anything. So unfortunately, I do get caught up in doing nothing... a lot.
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