It’s way too late for me to be up blogging but I’m pretty sure we’re gonna get hit by a massive storm tonight that will prohibit me from going to work, AND I had an absolutely awesome weekend that I really want to gush about. So when faced with the choice to catch up on sleep after an extremely busy weekend or blog about that weekend… yeah, I’m gonna blog. Sleep is overrated, ya know.
My weekend of amazingness began Friday afternoon when two of my closest college buddies, Mindy and Kevin, and their son, Kyle, arrived in Flagstaff early and popped by my office to hang out. I hadn’t seen them in over a year and was amazed at how big lil Mr. Kyle was and how much more grown-up he had became in the days between being barely two years-old and a now ‘mature three’. My last hour of a quiet Friday afternoon was spent catching up on each other’s life and talking in ways that emails, short notes, and instant messaging doesn’t allow.

Later on that night, Jeff, Lauren, and I headed downtown to try out one of the new Thai food restaurants.  After a 15 minute wait turned into 50 minutes, we finally were seated. The food was delicious and the conversation refreshing. There’s just something about hanging out with friends in a relaxed environment and just being. Our conversations varied from insanely silly to deep beyond our years with an ease that only comes when people are completely comfortable with one another. When we finally parted ways, Lauren and I headed back to my place to bake brownies for the next day and watch The Heartbreak Kid with Ben Stiller. I strongly recommend that, unless you truly enjoy pain and feeling awkward while watching a movie, you don’t rent this dud of a film. I want my $1.49 back!

The events of Saturday began with an alumni luncheon at the Baptist Student Ministry (BSM) for the director’s 20th year anniversary. The BSM was one of the most important parts of my college years. It was where I met some of my closest friends, including Mindy and Kevin, and where I truly got involved in serving my community. It was a sanctuary during times of stressful exams and the school where I learned so many of life’s lessons. So the chance to fellowship with old friends and celebrate the director’s work made my attendance a no-brainer. For three hours, we reminisced about ‘the good old days’, played life catch-up, and mused to ourselves that we had gotten old. I laughed so hard I wheezed thanks to Brian, Lauren’s brother and the non-biological twin of Zac, and his spot-on Office and DA impressions.
Finally, Keri and I had to say our goodbyes and head home to take the kids in our apartment complex to see Alvin and the Chipmunks (not our choice). With a snowstorm on the horizon, we only had two in attendance, but lucky for us, they were our two favorites, Mya (3) and Jayden (8). There is no possible way that you can spend time with these girls and not fall in love with them.  Jayden has a heart-of-gold and was born to entertain. Mya has two modes, spunky and syrupy-sweet. I’m not sure I have ever met a more opinionated three-year old. Everything we do with her is a strap-yourself-in adventure from her yelling embarrassing things at you when you take her to a public restroom to entertaining everyone in your theatre row with her Hannah Montana impression before the movie starts. To be honest, the movie downright lame, but Keri and my $6 price of admission was worth it just to spent time with them and watch them enjoy three cartoon chipmunks singing Funkytown.

Despite the snowstorm today, Lauren and I took a few hours out of our Sunday to check out the new movie, Juno, about a sarcastic high-school student who finds herself pregnant and dealing with the process of giving her baby up for adoption. I’m sure you’re thinking… why would I want to pay money to see a Lifetime Network Movie? But, I promise you… you’ll love it. Ellen Page, who plays Juno, is outstanding; and Michael Cera (Arrested Development and Superbad) is awkward but heart-warmingly sweet as her boyfriend/bestfriend. (Plus, I have a massive geek crush on him.) This is no Knocked Up. Instead, it’s smarter and more genuine than its commercially-successful cousin. We laughed from the opening credits until the closing song began to play, and there were even a few tears that threatened. We both adored it, and I just know you will, too.

After the movie, we grabbed a bite to eat and sat around my place chatting until she headed home to bunker down for tonight’s 4-9 inches of snow. School starts back next week, and I’m sure my life will once again find its way back into the chaos it finds strangely comfortable. But, at 3 am on a Sunday night/Monday morning, I feel more rested than I have in months thanks to good fellowship… good food… good flicks… and good friends.