Friday Night Fun!

For the first time in a long time, I went on a date with someone my own age. It doesn't sound like that big of a deal but it really is. Surprising considering I'm in Alaska where the reported male to female ratio is 10:1.

It's all rather interesting how it came about. We've met before, crossed paths a few times, but hadn't hung out at all. So thanks to our mutual friend Facebook we became friends and decided to get together.

It was up to me to decide what we were going to do. I decided hockey! You can never go wrong with hockey! The Alaska Aces were playing Idaho, and it was perfect. We could see all the action on the rink and weren't surrounded by too many people. There were  a few great punches thrown. Although the cowbell in the ear was a little excessive, but I think I finally got all hearing capabilities back in my right ear.

We then spent the rest of the night talking and laughing into the wee hours of the morning,  along with making the most delectable nachos ever, and just getting to know each other more. There was even an attempt to get my fingers to move in positions they just weren't meant to in order to play the guitar!  And you can't forget laughing to "hide your children, hide your wife" and "peace and blessings, peace and blessings".

I can honestly say it was the best first date I've been on. 

I Am From

I am from makeup and pretty clothes, Mickey Mouse and Goofy. Fingers constantly strumming and clicking across the keys of mac laptops. Piles of books waiting to be read and reread. 

I am from the fertile soil reaching tall, straight and strong. Dry leaves crunching loudly below our feet. A Flag displaying American pride and chimes dancing beautifully in the wind.  I am the pile of rocks with "100 flowers blooming" in memory of our beloved family pet. 

I am from loud, crashing waves that call me to come closer to the cool, aqua waters.  The snow white sand hot beneath my feet urge me to walk along the edge. I am from the salty breeze whispering memories of long ago. 

I am from Josie Collin's farm in northern New York with the babbling brooke and a red walkway bridge beckoning me to come walk with her.  I am from the dust on Grandpa's farm in the southwest; with the oinking of pigs, crowing of roosters, and the plumage of peacocks. I am the Granddaughter of Maria who cooked the most delicious chorizo and eggs and enchiladas. I am the little girl listening for the jingling of the ice-cream truck from grandmas living room. 

I am from the "yes sir major dad" and "blow it out your ears father". The "mute" instead of shut up.  "It's an I.D. - 10 - T  error" from geek dad to college daughter. I am from the "I was put upon this Earth to embarrass my children" and "well that recipe's not a keeper". I'm from the "how do you spell this?… LOOK IT UP!." and from the eternal "I love you" every time we leave the house. 

I am from the everyone wants Christopher's Baked Beans and the Tuna Fish and Eggs most are afraid to try. I am from the Shepherd's Pie, large turkeys on Thanksgiving, Shrimp Cocktails on Christmas Eve and Grandpa's Taco Salad made in a giant tin bowl. I am from the peanut butter fudge, divinity and coconut macaroons piled high on the cupboards waiting to be devoured. 

I am from the mountain tops of Colorado, deserts of New Mexico, Gulf Sands of Florida, and the lakes of Minnesota. I am from the glaciers of Alaska, autumn colors of New York, golden hills of California and the corn fields of Iowa. Memories happy and sad, funny and serious, strange and melodious; all beautiful, no longer locked away in my mind, but now forever remembered, revealed and recorded for generations to come.