Tonight EQ & I met up with Cherry & Kailua for a late dinner at an old restaurant in the beach under new management. Brussels Bistro. While the four of us enjoyed the delightful fares of the restaurant over a three hour dinner, that isn't the moment I'd like to focus on for today. (Though I was pleasantly surprised and recommend the restaurant!)
No, today's moment comes from my circle of friends expanding tonight, with EQ. This a moment that I've been eager for since October. I like Cherry & Kailua's easy nature, I love the way they love each other and I had big hopes that the four of us would have an amazing evening together.
We did and that is today's moment. It happened. An amazing evening with new friends. But that's not much of a story, now is it?
As EQ and I made our way to the restaurant, I knew EQ was nervous. To make matters more challenging for him, where we were seated, there was a very loud table of guests right behind us. That's never a good thing when EQ struggles to hear on the best of days. I forged ahead and caught up with Cherry & Kailua post Christmas & New Years events.
Dinner was not rushed, which allowed us a lot of time to simply enjoy one another and our stories. As time passed, the energy shifted and I could tell EQ felt more at ease. No longer was the conversation simply an exchange of questions and answers, but a fluid give and take of thoughts and ideas.
Just after our appetisers, as we awaited our mains, I realized that Cherry & I were chatting while Kailua and EQ were chatting. That for me was the moment that made me smile. No longer was I trying to orchestrate the conversation to keep things fluid, but we has split into two engaged mini conversations. Brilliant, right?
By the time dessert arrived, we had dug into an even deeper conversation; a fairly controversial discussion about performance enhancing drugs in the world sports. Interesting, challenging and enlightening are adjectives that come to mind.
YES! A great conversation with wonderful people.
Not only did I enjoy the evening, but EQ did as well. Yes, sometimes it's good to open up your circle and allow others in. I'm so very happy to have made that decision earlier for tonight, it was great to see my circle expand. Our new friends, Cherry & Kailua.
Moments enjoying dinner and conversation.
Moments realizing that this is a friendship that will grow.
Showing posts with label new friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new friends. Show all posts
Friday, January 17, 2014
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Moments D548: Connections
Today's moment snuck up on me. It was one of those moments where, in a flash, a whole story flashed before my eyes. A possible future if you will. I didn't ask for it (this time), it just happened.
I. LOVE. WHEN. THAT. HAPPENS!
Let me back up.
Tonight I had drinks with Cherry and her new man. I've known Cherry for about 6-7 years, but it's only been the last two years where we've bonded outside of our work connection. Two years ago we shared a common thread; we were both separated (by choice) from long term marriages. Once we realized that we were on similar paths, it wasn't long before we were meeting outside of business hours and sharing our love and war stories over a glass (or two) of wine.
Tonight was one of those nights.
Tonight, was actually the second time that she brought her new man with her. The last time we connected was early summer and it was the first time she brought, let's call him Kailua. (For their first trip official trip together as a couple.) I very much enjoyed our first evening out together, so of course I was happy to have him join us again tonight.
As a total side bar, Cherry and Kailua are incredibly well suited for one another. I knew this when I first met them There are just some couples that fit. And as I sat across from them that first night I could feel the positive love and energy pouring off them. Tonight was no different and I know they've conquered some big challenges together.
As we dug into our evening, it was interesting to see all the common shared interests. Interesting, because I always love to dissect how it is that people come (or leave) my life.
And then my moment hit me.
It was as we started upon our second glass of wine, after sharing intimate stories that are typically saved for close friends I had a daydream. In that flash of a moment, I saw the four of us building a deeper friendship.
It took me by surprise.
Don't get me wrong. I mean, I like Cherry. I've always enjoyed spending an evening with her, but this was another (possible) step in the evolution of our friendship. It was unexpected. This, a moment where I saw her man and my man connecting and enjoying a story or two, where I envisioned the four of us travelling together, trying wines together and sharing silly stories together.
I was not expecting that. A new connection. A new possible "couple" friendship.
Maybe EQ was right after all. We will make new friends together no matter where we are living. I am kinda excited about that.
Moments digging beneath the surface of a friendship.
Moments being happily surprised a at the depth found.
I. LOVE. WHEN. THAT. HAPPENS!
Let me back up.
Tonight I had drinks with Cherry and her new man. I've known Cherry for about 6-7 years, but it's only been the last two years where we've bonded outside of our work connection. Two years ago we shared a common thread; we were both separated (by choice) from long term marriages. Once we realized that we were on similar paths, it wasn't long before we were meeting outside of business hours and sharing our love and war stories over a glass (or two) of wine.
Tonight was one of those nights.
Tonight, was actually the second time that she brought her new man with her. The last time we connected was early summer and it was the first time she brought, let's call him Kailua. (For their first trip official trip together as a couple.) I very much enjoyed our first evening out together, so of course I was happy to have him join us again tonight.
As a total side bar, Cherry and Kailua are incredibly well suited for one another. I knew this when I first met them There are just some couples that fit. And as I sat across from them that first night I could feel the positive love and energy pouring off them. Tonight was no different and I know they've conquered some big challenges together.
As we dug into our evening, it was interesting to see all the common shared interests. Interesting, because I always love to dissect how it is that people come (or leave) my life.
And then my moment hit me.
It was as we started upon our second glass of wine, after sharing intimate stories that are typically saved for close friends I had a daydream. In that flash of a moment, I saw the four of us building a deeper friendship.
It took me by surprise.
Don't get me wrong. I mean, I like Cherry. I've always enjoyed spending an evening with her, but this was another (possible) step in the evolution of our friendship. It was unexpected. This, a moment where I saw her man and my man connecting and enjoying a story or two, where I envisioned the four of us travelling together, trying wines together and sharing silly stories together.
I was not expecting that. A new connection. A new possible "couple" friendship.
Maybe EQ was right after all. We will make new friends together no matter where we are living. I am kinda excited about that.
Moments digging beneath the surface of a friendship.
Moments being happily surprised a at the depth found.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Moments D532: Deepening Relationships
Today's moment snuck up on me. So much so, that earlier today I had a different blog moment drafted to share. That shifted after tonight's dinner with new, and amazing, friends.
Today EQ and I spent quite a bit of time filling our day with questions shared, answered and unveiling new questions to dig into. Each question brought light to a new path for the two of us. This, the man I love. Very exciting in its own right. Today, together we were inspired to keep digging ever deeper to find answers to those questions.
After a cheeky post-work conversation we were on our way to meet EQ's closest friends for dinner. And while I was very much expecting an incredible evening (very easy to feel that it would be such as these are two very incredible people!), I had no idea what the evening's conversation would unfold.
Dinner began by opening a Gary Farrell Cabernet Sauvingnon, likely the mate to the Chardonnay we shared only four weeks ago. The first to lift a glass was, oh, let's call her TREE. (Tree because she is very grounded, but very flexible and calm. Much like the roots of a tree, grounded, yet the leaves ever swaying in the wind.), Well Tree's sweet husband teased her that the first to lift the glass was responsible for the toast of the evening. With a look of hesitation, Tree tentatively began her toast. As she eased into the toast, confidence found her and she dove into a world of words that mirrored those of the relationship EQ and I have built over time. The synchronicity was chilling. Her toast was most poignant, deeper than she was aware. (pardon the pun!)
With tears building and beginning to wet my eyes, I shared the story and much deeper meaning behind her toast words of "deepening relationships." Bottom line: EQ & I built our relationship based on two simple words: "dig deeper". It brought goosebumps.
The rest of the evening was like a dream. Time seemed to slow. With the sentiment of "deepening relationships" hanging in the air, EQ found words to share with me that will forever deepen our relationship. A very special moment shared with very special and aware friends.
Throughout the rest of the evening, deep conversation continued to flow along with the wine and celebrations throughout the delightful meal we enjoyed together.
Moments deepening relationships with new friends.
Moments ever digging deeper in love.
Today EQ and I spent quite a bit of time filling our day with questions shared, answered and unveiling new questions to dig into. Each question brought light to a new path for the two of us. This, the man I love. Very exciting in its own right. Today, together we were inspired to keep digging ever deeper to find answers to those questions.
After a cheeky post-work conversation we were on our way to meet EQ's closest friends for dinner. And while I was very much expecting an incredible evening (very easy to feel that it would be such as these are two very incredible people!), I had no idea what the evening's conversation would unfold.
Dinner began by opening a Gary Farrell Cabernet Sauvingnon, likely the mate to the Chardonnay we shared only four weeks ago. The first to lift a glass was, oh, let's call her TREE. (Tree because she is very grounded, but very flexible and calm. Much like the roots of a tree, grounded, yet the leaves ever swaying in the wind.), Well Tree's sweet husband teased her that the first to lift the glass was responsible for the toast of the evening. With a look of hesitation, Tree tentatively began her toast. As she eased into the toast, confidence found her and she dove into a world of words that mirrored those of the relationship EQ and I have built over time. The synchronicity was chilling. Her toast was most poignant, deeper than she was aware. (pardon the pun!)
With tears building and beginning to wet my eyes, I shared the story and much deeper meaning behind her toast words of "deepening relationships." Bottom line: EQ & I built our relationship based on two simple words: "dig deeper". It brought goosebumps.
The rest of the evening was like a dream. Time seemed to slow. With the sentiment of "deepening relationships" hanging in the air, EQ found words to share with me that will forever deepen our relationship. A very special moment shared with very special and aware friends.
Throughout the rest of the evening, deep conversation continued to flow along with the wine and celebrations throughout the delightful meal we enjoyed together.
Moments deepening relationships with new friends.
Moments ever digging deeper in love.
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Moments D432: An introduction to the Sky diving culture
I love experiencing new things. Every opportunity to grow is one that I embrace. Not all of them are happy, joyous learning opportunities, but they all stretch my soul. So when I was offered an opportunity to have a inside introduction into the world of sky diving, how could I ever possibly say no? What I didn't realize was just how much I would enjoy meeting this new world.
Today I went with EQ to the drop zone in Rochelle, IL - Chicagoland Skydiving Center. It was a first for me to be on a drop zone and to meet people who sky dive. Not only did I meet some of the veterans of this particular drop zone, I was fortunate enough to meet the wingsuit group here for their first annual Sequentials Competition. Incredible people. It's no wonder EQ loves the energy of this sport and the people he flys with. They are such amazing people. Vibrant, full of life and energy, and they easily accepted me into their group even though I was a true outsider to the sport.
I watched as they practiced their rotations for the jumps planned tomorrow. I took a few photos and pondered their sport as they organized themselves. This sport takes sky diving to the next level. More dangerous and somewhat controversial in some circles, but for those in the sport, a testament to and surely more of an adrenaline rush. Check out this video to give you an idea!
It was an incredible moment to meet this group. I felt honoured that EQ introduced me to his sport mates – it was like being a fly on the wall, for I truly was an outsider. After an afternoon break, we met up with the crew again for a delightful Mexican dinner. Conversations were easy to come to me with much laughter dabbled throughout the evening. What a delightful way to be introduced to a new sport and a new group of people.
Moments knowing you have no idea what to expect next.
I watched as they practiced their rotations for the jumps planned tomorrow. I took a few photos and pondered their sport as they organized themselves. This sport takes sky diving to the next level. More dangerous and somewhat controversial in some circles, but for those in the sport, a testament to and surely more of an adrenaline rush. Check out this video to give you an idea!
It was an incredible moment to meet this group. I felt honoured that EQ introduced me to his sport mates – it was like being a fly on the wall, for I truly was an outsider. After an afternoon break, we met up with the crew again for a delightful Mexican dinner. Conversations were easy to come to me with much laughter dabbled throughout the evening. What a delightful way to be introduced to a new sport and a new group of people.
Moments knowing you have no idea what to expect next.
Moments watching in awe and absorbing in the (new) energy.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Moments D369: Coffee, Beef Jerkey, and Poutine and the universe speaks.
Although I didn’t manage to stay awake to see the sunrise, I didn’t miss much of the night and early morning. Having finally crashed around 4-4:30am, we were up only 3.5 hours later.
At that point the sun was bright, the birds in song and though there was a slight chill in the breeze we were all (well most of us) eager to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the morning. So me, my bestie and my BFF, made ourself coffee and made our way down to the dock. We laughed at some of the stories from the night before, relived the beauty of the bonfire we had and shared new friend stories. And yes, I managed to get my first sunburn of the season!
Eventually the we became hungry girls and we began to pillage what was left of the prepared foods from the night before. For breakfast, we had cheese, buns, crackers, apple pie and coffee (and a banana) for round two of our time out on the dock. Just the three of us. It was then that we started speaking to the universe and it eventually began to speak back to us. (Actually, it was my bestie impersonating the universe’s responses, but it was very apropos!)
Beautiful moments all in themselves, and moments I will cherish for a life time. Later our trine was joined by the boy next door for yet another pot of coffee. Another set of great moments.
And then my BFF had to run, and as she was packing up our amazing new friend, who I will call LWF (for his Lest we Forget tattoo) finally rose from his sleep. Of course, he was in desperate need of coffee. To his shock and horror, we had brewed up and drank all the coffee.
It wasn’t long before we were making a run to West Guilford for coffee.
But, we were in luck as we stopped at the Haliburton restaurant for a cup of java, and then we made our way to West Guilford to stock up. We picked up coffee, bacon, and LWF picked up beef jerky and cheese curds (a good hangover cure? I’m not sure, but it did seem to perk him up!) And then there was this light begging for attention across from the store. The CHIP TRUCK called out to us. And so, my bestie and I enjoyed some of the best fries in the region. (I was very bad with a poutine, she behaved herself with fries only and LWF simply enjoyed his beef jerkey.)
We enjoyed our moment with the food. Sharing stories and getting to know one another just a little bit more. Those moments are always good for my soul for I love to learn about what inspires others.
So today’s moment? Simple. The people, the silly post-party food and just being lazy and enjoying the day as it came to us. The shared stories during the best day of spring Haliburton has seen. A perfect first new day after being reborn. Packing was pushed off to the end of the day as the sun started its decent in the sky.
An amazing day with my besties and new friends.
Moments of pure laziness.
Moments of pure silliness.
At that point the sun was bright, the birds in song and though there was a slight chill in the breeze we were all (well most of us) eager to get outside and enjoy the beauty of the morning. So me, my bestie and my BFF, made ourself coffee and made our way down to the dock. We laughed at some of the stories from the night before, relived the beauty of the bonfire we had and shared new friend stories. And yes, I managed to get my first sunburn of the season!
Eventually the we became hungry girls and we began to pillage what was left of the prepared foods from the night before. For breakfast, we had cheese, buns, crackers, apple pie and coffee (and a banana) for round two of our time out on the dock. Just the three of us. It was then that we started speaking to the universe and it eventually began to speak back to us. (Actually, it was my bestie impersonating the universe’s responses, but it was very apropos!)
Beautiful moments all in themselves, and moments I will cherish for a life time. Later our trine was joined by the boy next door for yet another pot of coffee. Another set of great moments.
And then my BFF had to run, and as she was packing up our amazing new friend, who I will call LWF (for his Lest we Forget tattoo) finally rose from his sleep. Of course, he was in desperate need of coffee. To his shock and horror, we had brewed up and drank all the coffee.
It wasn’t long before we were making a run to West Guilford for coffee.
But, we were in luck as we stopped at the Haliburton restaurant for a cup of java, and then we made our way to West Guilford to stock up. We picked up coffee, bacon, and LWF picked up beef jerky and cheese curds (a good hangover cure? I’m not sure, but it did seem to perk him up!) And then there was this light begging for attention across from the store. The CHIP TRUCK called out to us. And so, my bestie and I enjoyed some of the best fries in the region. (I was very bad with a poutine, she behaved herself with fries only and LWF simply enjoyed his beef jerkey.)
We enjoyed our moment with the food. Sharing stories and getting to know one another just a little bit more. Those moments are always good for my soul for I love to learn about what inspires others.
So today’s moment? Simple. The people, the silly post-party food and just being lazy and enjoying the day as it came to us. The shared stories during the best day of spring Haliburton has seen. A perfect first new day after being reborn. Packing was pushed off to the end of the day as the sun started its decent in the sky.
An amazing day with my besties and new friends.
Moments of pure laziness.
Moments of pure silliness.
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