33 posts tagged “friends”
I have a thing against band names that need to be shortened into acronyms or sound like titles of love poems I once wrote back in the 8th grade. Too many memories of fake kissing pillows quite honestly. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart don't sound much older than that but despite the young vocals their songs are quite lovely. Thanks to Patty and Annie for getting me out to the Rickshaw last night. Forgot how much I love going to shows...
What is it about friends posting pictures from years ago, not just of themselves but of you too. Thankfully I like the photo despite the fact that I'm wearing silver-ish lipstick. To be 24 again!
There are the friends that you rarely see but every time that you do, it’s as if no time has passed. The friends that remind you of the person that you want to be, that you can be, that you may have always been. That’s my friend, Tyee. We met in college when she had China doll bangs and I cooked a lot of salty foods. She was full of dry humor, French slang and a wicked sense of style. We weren’t particularly close during those days, her humor was not for me, but over the years despite our hectic schedules we've managed to stay in touch and grow our friendship.
Yesterday I picked her up on the corner of Sutter and Divisadero, outside the Intensive Care Cancer Unit. “No, my mom is not okay..” she said slowly. “She has colon cancer. We found out last month and it’s spread to her ovaries. They’ve removed what they could. She just had the surgery this week and in a few months, she’ll go into chemo. The prognosis is not good.”
Tyee was calm and composed. What do you say to a friend in that moment? “I’m sorry.” My words sounded thick and hollow. I wanted to say more but my throat was dry and I was at a loss.
We spent the afternoon drinking hot chocolate and shopping for plum colored lipstick. She broke down a little when we discussed the upcoming wedding and the acceleration of plans. “I want her to be able to enjoy the day..well, I just want her to be there for it.” She looked away as I stared down at the table. We changed the subject to wedding gowns, bouquets and her plan to buy flowers the day of at Costco. My friend, always the frugal one.
I’m amazed at her strength and ability to keep it all together. Over a year ago, her fiancé went through chemo for a brain tumor and now life has just gotten back to normal. And here she is, at the start of the new year watching it happen all over again. My dating life update was frivolous in comparison. But I continued on because the stories made her laugh. And that’s all I could hope for in a time like this.
Stay positive Love. xoxo.
The last of the weddings for this year came and went. Sarah and Mike were wed at the Sofitel hotel in Redwood City yesterday evening. The ceremony was absolutely beautiful, just like the bride herself. Both of her two little dogs were in the ceremony and they were quite well-behaved. And yes, perhaps she should have covered up Rocky's bottom half. But he didn't seem to mind so much. ;)
October is looking to be somewhat slower with just one trip to LA planned and no other social commitments but concerts to go to. This Friday I'll be seeing Sigur Ros at the Greek Theater, followed by New Kids on the Block next weekend (don't ask, just nod), and Crystal Castles and Lykke Li at the end of the month. I'm looking forward to the latter two, both should be great shows.
I'm glad to be finally getting back to a slower pace of life. My arms and legs are begging for the gym, my liver needs a break from the champagne, and my mom can finally stop dropping voicemails about my absence.
It was another whirlwind weekend of social events. You are probably as sick of it as I am. ;) I purposely declined any invites for Sunday outings just so I could stay home and do laundry. I had four loads to do and my room looked like a tornado had blown through it. Everything is in order now but I'm kind of dreading September as all of my weekends have just filled up. Woo. On Friday, I had dinner with Tyee, who I haven't seen in months despite the fact that we work not too far from each other. She recently got engaged and I've added her wedding to my list of two for next year. Yes, just two so far. I'm thrilled for her but quite honestly I want to rip apart any new invitations that arrive in the mail. :) Love, it's a wonderful thing.
On Saturday, Betty and Evan were married at a private estate in Palo Alto. It was one of the prettiest and shortest ceremonies of the summer. They tied the knot in a record time of just ten minutes! She looked absolutely amazing and I even started crying when I saw her walk down the aisle. Their Chinese banquet was back up in the city however so I got ready at Ada's place to save on gas and time. After a long dinner with three hundred of their close friends and family, I left as the dancing got started to attend Annie's birthday party at 111 Minna. No, it never really does end for me. It was an 80s themed party with lots of crazy outfits, awesome music and many polaroid photos. Happy birthday Annie darling!
The restaurant is tiny and you sit really close to neighboring tables but it makes the entire experience rather cozy. Just don't talk about private matters too loudly because everyone will hear. They have a really affordable prix-fixe menu that changes weekly. The wine list is great and they never leave your glass empty. Service was a bit spotty last night but we were given extra glasses of port to make up for it.
I went with the four plate option because the tasting fish of the evening was scallops served in a bed of risotto. Amazing. We split British Columbia oysters, appetizers of seared foie gras and frisee with duck confit. All three of us ordered the filet mignon because you really can't pass up steak at a French restaurant. It came with browned asparagus and house potatoes sauteed in garlic. All of it was so, sooooo good.
For dessert we ordered an apple crumble and a trio of sorbet. The owner's wife gave us an extra third dessert of warm chocolate cake. We closed down the restaurant with a hefty bill of $375 after all the champagne and wine. Absolutely fantastic. Definitely one of my favorite places in San Francisco now.
Although I am quite sad to not have attended the wedding of Papi Chulo and Secret Agent Scotch, I am super happy for the internets and all the photos and videos that folks posted. It was like I was there with all of the 6a folks! Congratulations to the happy couple. I wish the two of you many years of joy and laughter.
As for me, I had another set of festivities to attend to and it was quite the busy week. It started off with a Wednesday evening bridal shower for Melissa. While it was very cute to have a tea party wedding shower, I expect all parties after 6pm to serve booze. Really. That's the only way you can have me socialize after a long work day. If I'm not drinking then I want to be on my couch in pjs.
Friday I attended a traditional catholic ceremony at St. Mary's Cathedral for Suzanne and Conan's wedding. Catholic ceremonies tend to be very long but they amazingly got everything done within an hour. The reception was held that evening at Yank Sing restaurant at the Rincon Center. There were dragon dancers, lots of good food and too many shots of tequila. Not too surprisingly, Conan got the biggest wedding ring that I've ever seen on a guy. Such a pimp. :)
Saturday I peeled myself out of bed and drove to Wente Vineyards
in Livermore for Melissa & Derek's wedding. I was hungover and
tired but it was hard to not be enthusiastic by the beautiful
surroundings and the happy couple. They had outdoor tables with trees
lit in Christmas lights and pink and white balloons strewn around the
dance floor. So pretty. The same circle of friends were at this
wedding as well, so well I ended up doing a lot of shots again. Ugh. All in all a fantastic time despite how shitty I felt on Sunday.
I'm taking the day off tomorrow to see my good friends Suzanne and Conan tie the knot. Some may say they are doing things a bit backwards since they've been living together for the last five years. But conventional lifestyles has never really been a thing for Conan. They are the happiest couple and I can't wait to become an auntie to their future family of three to five kids. ;) They were highlighted on the front page of today's San Francisco Chronicle because they booked their special occasion on one most coveted wedding dates in Asian history, 8/8/8.
There's been a whirlwind of social events in the last month with several more packed weekends to go. I want to say that every summer is like this but the last few have been quite mellow in comparison. Except for the usual birthday week, I generally have several weekends where there's absolutely nothing to do. And there's something nice about being able to be spontaneous (yes, it's quite true that I don't always plan ahead).
This past weekend I attended my college roommate's bridal shower and bachelorette party. Rarely does anyone plan for both in one weekend much less in the same day. It's a lot of socializing and quite honestly very exhausting. But it was great to be able to celebrate this special occasion with her. Betty looked beautiful and so happy (see left).
Next up, I have a bridal shower tomorrow for Melissa who's getting married this Saturday. Yes, so much going on. Did I mention I have to attend another wedding on Friday too? We're having dessert and tea at the Japanese tea garden in Golden Gate park. It should be quite fancy. Cocktail dresses of a specific length are required. That part I didn't like so much but every party needs a theme! I yanked an old dress out of the closet last night that will have to do because I don't have time to shop.
Next weekend I have two birthday parties to attend to and the following weekend another bridal shower. Just thinking about all of the events kind of makes me want to stick my head under the covers and not come out until winter.
