Happy Birthday Krissy B!

Last night was Krissy's 35th birthday and we celebrated with a group of her friends at Trader Vic's. Yes, Trader Vic's has returned to the Northwest. What a throwback! If you remember Trader Vic's from its hay day in the 1960's - 1980's (and I barely do), the new version keeps to the original theme, but with an updated menu and modern decor. However, they still have a Tiki Lounge where you can get a tropical drink served in a coconut. We also had a terrific dinner and pineapple & mango crisp a la mode for dessert. Yum Yum. Krissy had two fortune cookies which will certainly bring lots of good fortune over the next year!

It was fun being with Krissy on this milestone and reflecting back on all the good times we've had over the years. It struck me yesterday that I've known her for almost seventeen years. Boy, does time fly. I still think of her as one of my "new" friends.

Hmmmmmm, I guess my 35th is right around the corner. Gulp.

Choppin' Broccoli (Or Eggplant)

Last weekend I had Sunday dinner with my dear cousin, Whitney. We made eggplant, mushroom and sweet potato stir fry which turned out quite tasty. I also attempted to make mango sticky rice for dessert, but that is a culinary experience which still requires further practice. Luckily we also had jasmine tea and fortune cookies (even though the fortunes were rather dull). It was wonderful to catch up with Whitney who I don't get to see nearly enough. She's a delight!



Confucius Say...

Fortune #1


You will attain a hoped-for objective

Fortune #2


Another's expression of appreciation will delight you.

Emily and Brett's wedding

This past weekend, Emily and Brett tied the knot. They were technically married a few months ago when the Australian government inconveniently refused to extend Brett's work visa and they had to rush the wedding for immigration purposes. I wasn't at the first wedding at the county courthouse, but I can say with great confidence that this was a far more elegant event. The whole evening was a perfect reflection of Emily and Brett, altogether charming and uproariously funny. The wedding and reception were held at C'est Si Bon French Restaurant in Port Angeles, the bride's hometown. It was an enchanting setting which felt like we had been transported right to the heart of the French countryside...with a bunch of drunk Ausies! It was a fun and wonderful wedding, start to finish!

Cheers to Em and Brett!

tears of sorrow

This past week I received the unexpected news that my friend, John O'Keefe, died in Miami on Tuesday. Since learning of his death my head has been spinning, thoughts filled with memories and heart filled with sadness.

I once read that we grieve more bitterly when we have not been able to fully experience life with another individual. This concept, that whatever is lived fully is easier to let go, has resonated with me this week. With his early passing from this world, I feel robbed of the future experiences that I was counting on sharing with John. Although I had only known him for a few years and we were separated by distance, I took comfort knowing we would have a long lifetime to spend together as friends. Dreams now ripped away.

I will always keep close to my heart memories of time spent with John. Together with Robert, they were the perfect duo who graciously invited me to be part of a trio; friends who laughed and shared and dreamed of adventures around the world. I am a better person for having had John in my life. In his radiance he received the range of human experience with passion, as though he had squeezed the earth's life-force and drank the marrow. John inspired me to live my highest and best life, to have deeper compassion, fuller joy, take risks, and above all, never take for granted the love of my friends.

thank you John. we will all miss you.

(picture: left-Robert, right-John)