"Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let the pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place."
-- Unknown
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Monday, May 25, 2009

Home from a fabulous weekend

After a wonderful weekend, I'm once again home in Andalusia.

If I thought I missed Birmingham before, the last three days only cemented that feeling in my heart.

Friday night was spent lounging around the house with my family - eating pizza, laughing and catching up on some Tivo. (They had still not watched the season finale of American Idol!) After once again seeing my boy Adam walk away without the title, I turned in and caught up on some much needed rest.

Saturday morning I went to Montevallo to spend the day with Brooke - my long-time best friend and old roommate. Brooke and I met when we were 10, and despite our many differences, we're still as close as ever.

I know I promised plenty of pictures from the weekend, but I got so caught up in enjoying the moment, I didn't actually break out the camera. But see if you can imagine this:

Picture two friends sharing a plate of spicy tuna rolls at a Japanese steak house. Sitting in front of the hibachi, watching the chef make volcanoes out of an onion. Trying in vain to catch food in our mouths as it's flipped off the grill - watching it hit the floor as the chef laughs and tells us to try again. Picture us talking and cutting up like it hasn't been six months since we last hung out. Like no time has passed at all.

Later that afternoon, as Brooke got ready for work, I made my way over to my friend Chris's house. Again, no pictures... so try to use your imagination:

Picture good friends catching up after more than a year of not seeing each other. Playing multiple sets of Rock Band after a yummy dinner at the San Antonio Grill. Laughing and promising each other it won't be another year before they hang out again.

Sunday was another great day. After sleeping in, I went to visit my cousin Jen and her precious little family. She and her husband Marcus are fabulous, and together they have the single most adorable child in the world. I actually did manage to take a few pictures of Deano the Bambino, but my camera is in my car and I'm entirely too lazy to go get it. I'll post them later, I promise. After Dean went down for his afternoon nap, Marcus snuck out to fish while Jen and I sat around and talked about a little bit of everything - from music to our similar experiences with loser guys and their lame-o pick up lines (and everything in between).

That evening I spent a little one-on-one time with my step-dad. After striking out on three different restaurants, we finally found an Italian place that was open and we proceeded to stuff our faces with some of the biggest calzones I've ever seen. Afterwards, we may or may not have hit up Krispy Kreme for some chocolate covered donuts. Back at the house, we watched Seven Pounds (which was so sad) before calling it a night.

I have to admit - I was pretty sad when I had to come home today. I never have enough time to see everybody while I'm there. I'll definitely have to go back again soon.

Until then, it's back to the daily grind...

13 comments:

scarlethue said...

I always liked Birmingham. I spent a year there myself at Birmingham Southern.

Home is a funny thing... it goes "away" all too quickly. My hometown is no longer home for me now that my grandparents are gone and my parents are trying to move. But it's ok because I've found a new one here.

p-huong said...

Isn't that one of the greatest feelings ever? Meeting up with a friend that you haven't seen for months, or even a whole year, and you two just pick up like as if you've never been apart. Glad to know you had a fabulous weekend!

Stephanie said...

I just drove through Andalusia! Four times in two weeks, actually, on my way to and from Destin. It's cool to say I know (well, kinda sorta know...) someone who lives there.

Unknown said...

Sounds like a wonderful fun and friend-filled weekend! Glad to hear it was great and hope you can get somewhat settled back into 'home'!

septembermom said...

Spending time with good friends is priceless. Sounds like you have so much fun, lots of laughs and some good food too!

Sherri Murphy said...

These trips are never long enough.

Glad you enjoyed yourself.

Sally's World said...

it sounds like a great place to visit, glad you had such a good time xxx

Diane said...

I thought it was funny that you watched 'Seven Pounds' after eating calzones and Krispy Kremes! ;)

Glad you had a great weekend!!

Dani said...

I have an award for you at Dani's Daily Drop. Love your blog! Come by and get it- Tuesday Toodles!

Jen L. said...

Cute background! As always, I loved seeing you. Next time, let's go to ULTA!!! And maybe World Market, too, to buy gummy candy.

Lame-o pick-up lines = fun stories!

Andy - Instafather said...

Rock Band AND donuts in one weekend? Dang.

Jealous.

You must have really enjoyed all of it.

Kim said...

Sounds like such a great weekend! I love those kinds of times when it's about hanging out, eating good food and sleeping in.

We watched seven pounds and I was surprised at how much I liked it. Shaune loves Will Smith - mostly because of movies like - the one with the aliens and tommy lee jones - can't remember the name.

It must have been hard to come home after being around family and friends.

Anonymous said...

Heather, you didn't tell them the whole story... Chocolate covered, CUSTARD-FILLED, donuts. Diane had it right --- seven pounds...each! Had fun with you! Love, Mr. Negativity