Gringo Starr...

Oh, Mike Murray...if you weren't so old (or if you looked like Dennis Quaid) I would marry you.

I have been triple-dog dared to blog, so...here it is.

This summer has started off on a great foot. I have spent most of my afternoons reading, watching reruns of "Judging Amy" on TNT, and working out, and most of my evenings with friends. I think this is how life is meant to be. Yes, yes it is.

Okay, this is random but think back with me to the "Cheers" theme song: "You wanna go where everybody knows your name." How true is that? It's so nice to go places where people know your name and what your "usual" is. Now, I don't go to Bedford Street a lot. Well, I am not sure what your definition of "a lot" is, but I don't think I go there a lot. Anyway, last night I was sitting with Cliff (which seems fitting as he was one of the men always sitting at the bar on "Cheers". I guess that makes me Norm) and ordered a rum and coke, and the bartender, who I now know as "Cathy", said "I will bring that right over, Melia." It caught me off guard. I had to sit there a second and question whether or not I frequent this particular "pub" too much. I rationalized the situation this way: 1) She may have a photographic memory and since she is often the one to card me, she may remember my name that way. 2) She picked it up in the conversation as she removed bottles and glasses from our table. 3) She's a crazy middle-aged stalker. 4) I go to Bedford Street more than I actually thought. Then I started panicking...maybe I have a drinking problem. Do I have a drinking problem?! With a panic attack quickly approaching, I looked down to see a regular Diet Coke on the table in front of me...sans alcohol...took a deep breath and returned to a random conversation on paranormal events.

Nanneman came in this past weekend, which was awesome. We all hung out in Peets' backyard, sitting around a small bonfire and talking late into the night. Tippen was there, and I had the privilege of watching him burn holes in his clothes with falling ash...classy.

Monday evening we had a large poker party with a lot of new faces, which is always nice. I discovered my liking for Cosmopolitan's...yes, they are fabulous. I ended up winning nine dollars, which isn't much, but it fed my newfound Alfredo's burrito fettish. I really should stop with the Alfredo's. You know you love something too much when you think about moving and you're like, but...what will I do without so-and-so? I don't know that I can leave! I had that exact thought as I ate there with Rachel today. I think it's their incredible combination of seasoned beef, guacamole, potatoes, and rice that I cannot say no to.

So, things are changing and for the first time I am an advocate. I helped Rachel move everything out of her house today and into her parent's house. That is a big change for her. I will be moving in the near future. I am starting a new job in July. There are other small changes, but even with the large ones, I am looking forward to the change of pace and scenery. For the first time ever, I can look at change and see that it is good for me. With change comes growth, and if we're not growing...we might as well wither away.

Well, I better go get ready for the evening and for the craziness of this weekend. Tonight is my brother Miles' graduation party and tomorrow he graduates. Tomorrow evening...partying with Clifford. Sunday, Trevor is coming in town and we are going to have dinner with a few of his friends. Monday is Memorial Day...and I know we are supposed to remember....something on that day, but instead I think I will lay out by the pool with Cold Mountain in one hand and a daquiri in the other, trying to forget all I need to do during the upcoming week.

Cheers.