Can You Hear Me Now?

So if breakfast is the piece of coffee cake you bought from the Second Cup yesterday but never had the chance to eat, does that mean you really had cake for breakfast, or does the word “coffee” cancel that out? Hmmm.

Yesterday I spilled a big ‘ol glass of water all over my desk, mostly hitting my keyboard, mouse, and the floor mat. After frantically wiping up what I could and using a straw to blow as much water out of the mouse as possible (I don’t even own a hair dryer anymore) and calling a couple computer-y guys I know that weren’t around (my messages consisted of: “have you ever spilled a big glass of water all over your keyboard and mouse? Not saying I did that or anything, but I’m curious if you have, and what you did about it…?”) After several computer restarts nothing was working properly yet so I figured it needed to dry a bit and I best leave my apartment for that process. I can lose my patience quite easily with my computer. When it’s not doing what I want it to, it is in my best interest to leave the building before it does, by flying out the window.

I took my scooter and went over to the mall to get a few groceries and stop at the Second Cup for my latte and a piece of coffee cake. I hadn’t eaten yet and it looked really good.

Riding home, as I was approaching my building, there were a few people standing out on a balcony on the 3rd floor admiring my scooter. One girl yelled “is that DONNA?” I stopped and looked up as I said “…yeah?”, but I didn’t recognize anyone from that distance (no glasses). She yelled “It’s Nicole!” and we flipped out! I met Nicole years ago through a mutual friend we had, Lisa, and haven’t seen any of that crowd in several years. Lisa married John and since going to their wedding, I think we got together once or twice, before we drifted apart for no real reason I can think of.

Anyway, Nicole was visiting a friend who recently moved into my building. They invited me up. So I went inside, put away my groceries and went upstairs with my coffee, (leaving the cake behind). I walk into a living room that has three guitars hanging from the walls, two in stands on the floor, a keyboard in the corner… a foosball table instead of a kitchen table and a beer fridge beside the couch. Bachelors and musicians living upstairs! Helloooo, neighbours!!

So I met Asad, and later on his room mate Pete. We talked and listened to music and talked and the guys played some songs on their acoustic guitars and we talked and drank. After I finished my coffee I got talked into having a beer and then another and then another. It was just so much fun, it’s been a very long time since I’ve just hung out in someone’s living room listening to music and drinking beer (and only being a few feet from my own door). The guys have a turntable as well, and they said the house rule is that only vinyl can be played at home. CDs are for the car. Very few exceptions to that rule (one exception being a CD Nicole brought with her, and played for us, and I SO NEED TO BUY IT RIGHT NOW). The guys were not familiar with many of the songs on it… they’re… um… young… so I feel it may be my duty to drag out my records from the 80’s and familiarize them with the genius that was Bronski Beat and Erasure.

Catching up with Nicole was fantastic. John and Lisa have a baby due in April! Nicole said she’d let me know when the shower is so I can come and surprise Lisa. Nicole herself is still with Eric, who she started dating during the time I knew her. They bought a house a few years ago. Everyone from that old crowd is married and having kids now, it seems. Even Trevor. It’s funny… back in ‘the day when a bunch of those guys (John, Eric, Trevor and Reese) used to live in this house together, they’d have some great parties. Trevor always seemed to have a different girl with him, and if there wasn’t a girl with him, he was paying a lot of attention to me. One night he actually hit on me and kissed me as I was leaving. Shocked the hell out of me, and a bunch of people saw it from the reflection in the glass stereo cabinet, so it was no secret. Trevor was a hot young stud, and we had NOTHING in common. I just wasn’t interested in someone I couldn’t really talk with, who was obviously a player. Until I had a friend talk me out of that mindset… “come ON Donna, he’s young, he’s hot, and he wants you. Stop being such a goodie two shoes and just go have some fun, what’s wrong with that?! GO GET LAID!” So the next time the guys had a party, I worked up the courage and went with that intention. I was going to pick up Trevor and take him home with me, dammit!

Of course, that night he had a girl with him named Jen. And every time after that, and they are now married. Figures, huh?

I left Asad’s place at about 8:00 because I needed food (still hadn’t eaten, and a soy latte and beer can only do so much) and everyone else had plans for the evening. My plans were pizza and a movie and yakking on the phone with AH until midnight, so that’s what I did. Interesting talk last night… we both agreed that we truly believe there is a reason we’re in each other’s lives (the way we met, the fact we found out our birthdays are the same day a week before it occurred rather than a week after, making it the perfect opening for a date, and that even when I tried to end it The Universe™ threw us back at each other his first day back working with Access… it’s all just too weird, and there has to be a reason). We’re not sure exactly why yet, but we have a few ideas. At least we both agree there is a ’special purpose’ for us having met, and we want to figure it out, so we’re stuck with each other for awhile yet (as friends!)

Now I’m off to join Michelle for swimming and a visit to The Saskatoon Farm. I’ve always wanted to go there, so I’m all excited now. Gift shop and café and pie!!! The perfect day!!