I’ve had quite the busy weekend, with not one, but two barbecues to attend. One of my co-workers had a barbecue/reggae housewarming party on Saturday night. I woke up on Saturday morning hating all of my clothes, so I went out looking for something reggae themed and fun. I found the perfect dress at Ann Taylor Loft – a cute green and yellow and black knit halter top dress. Unfortunately, it was so perfect for a reggae party that someone else showed up wearing the same dress. However, I got there first, so I claimed dress victory. The people I was with said I looked better than the other girl did. Of course, they pretty much had to say that, but let’s just believe them. Co-worker parties can be a tricky prospect, but this one was good. I hung out with co-workers I like quite a bit, met some fun people, had a beer and some unbelievably good salsa, and enjoyed the night.
Today’s barbecue was a whole different kettle of fish, although I have admit that I did wear the reggae dress again. It’s a good dress for a cookout. My bestest pal Laila is in town with her son Noah and her fiancé John, and a bunch of my favorite people got together in honor of their visit. We all descended on my friends Dave and Valerie’s place. They have a nice big yard perfect for kids to run around in, a very fancy grill – complete with mini-fridge – and a kitchen that is made for hanging out, chatting and eating. It was a lovely afternoon. We ate till we were stuffed, and then ate a little more. The kids ran and played, the grownups talked, photos were taken, and a good time was had by all. I’m never sure about posting photos of other people’s kids, so you’ll just have to take my word for it when I tell you that my friends all have remarkably good looking children. I get such a kick out of seeing their faces light up when they say hi, and the way they hand out hugs. I guess they like their Auntie Hillary ok. Even better was hearing Noah calling Dave “Hey, Big Dave” in all seriousness. That’s what we called him in high school. I don’t get to see any of them (the kids or their parents) nearly often enough. I’m very glad we all had time to just be together today.
I took a bunch of photos, most of which did not turn out. I really need to learn to take the time to frame the shot better. But here are two that I like: me, Jules and Laila
And Dave, Mike and Laila's John:
How was your weekend?
you look so much like one of my old college friends in that pic!
what did I do? Hmm, worked until 8p on Friday, worked 6 hours at job sat and 6 hours on my football site, slept 4 hours then wrote all day sunday and cleaned and laundered and then-- INSOMNIA. Fell asleep at 630 am and got up at 8am to go to work. now am not sure why awake except it feels wrong to go to bed before 10.
and...got asked by usc football dot com to be a columnist! OMG SQUEEEEEE! that is like my DREAM gig, you know?
We have never been to an adult party. NO kidding. When we lived in the campground and Wayne worked construction, we would have an occasional cookouts but it was never with folks that we really "knew" or felt like we had anything in common, it was just people. I would love a grown-up party or two..