Labor Day Weekend [Aug 30-Sep 1]

There is a major turning point about to happen in the life of one of my closest friends--Kate. Remember she's dating Jeffrey and thinking of getting engaged at the earliest? Well, so it is. Their parents are scheduled to meet on the Labor Day Weekend. I expressed my happiness to Megan and was already in the mood to celebrate the occasion, taking it for granted that it will be all smooth sailing. Megan, reasonable and practical that she is, was apprehensive about the parents meet over Labor Day Weekend. She had logic in her words though, as always. She reasoned, "It's not so easy Bob. Kate's parents are from Iowa, simple and down to earth. They know nothing of the high society ways that Jeffrey's parents belong to. They know their land, their farm, don't you think they will feel awkward should they have to talk about literature or music? Jeffrey's parents are likely to talk about their life and society. Kate's parents may feel out of place and that may not work in Kate's favor. I'm worried." "Really Megan, you must be crazy to think such things will come as a divide between true lovers!" was my weak defense. I knew in my heart of hearts that she could be right. I was unwilling to accept it, but that's because I wanted things to go well. Though the times have changed, these insignificant things sometimes do take up mammoth proportions and block the flow of beautiful things. We are keeping our fingers crossed. Do pray that this lovely love finds its destination.

Do It Day [Sep 3]

There's more on the Frank and Mrs. Bradley connection. After asking Mrs. Bradley out, Frank was apprehensive about the whole thing. The delay that Mrs. Bradley made in answering his question did nothing to cheer him up. I did see him a couple of times on my way and he was not his usual cheerful self. He looked preoccupied.

Mrs. Bradley was not so sure of the date herself. But after a couple of days of thinking, she decided to just "do it". So the next day, Mrs. Bradley went to Frank's shop and when she was checking out her groceries at the check-out counter, she told Frank that she was free the next evening. Frank said that he was going to pick her up. Mrs. Bradley later narrated to me that she had never seen Frank so happy. She also told me that they are planning to go out very soon. Frank is making all the blue-prints ready.

Frank was apprehensive about the dating thing with Mrs. Bradley and Mrs. Bradley took the time to answer to him. But she took a lesson from Frank about just "Doing It" so she went ahead and said "Yes" and they're out dating!

 A Really Good Night

Bad news folks! Irina returned from Democratic National Convention and announced that she broke up with her politico boyfriend Richard. I and Adrian were having a little tiff over the dinner menu when someone banged the door. Adrian got it. He half-opened the door and stared. I asked thrice "Who is it?" No answer. I myself got up to check. Standing in the doorway was Irina, slightly puffy eyes, but that didn't strike us dumb. Gone was her 'politically-correct' gowns, she was back to wearing flashy clothes -- the old Irina was back!

She came in and sat on the floor, ignoring the couch. Adrian overcame our temporary dumbness first. "What's the matter?" he blurted somehow, "why don't you take the couch?" Irina was cool, "I am tired of doing 'proper' things. Now I want to do what people don't expect of me!" Oh yeah, so what's the deal, I wanted to ask, but kept my facial cavity buttoned up.

We didn't have to wait for long. Irina heaved a sigh and let the cat out at last. "I broke up with Richard. I don't fit into his posh circle. I don't want to. I can't fake like they can, without batting an eyelid. I tried my best to color myself in his shades, but it won't work, will it?" So that was it. I didn't feel she'd want to know I thought very highly of Richard. Especially now. Adrian took over. "Forget it. I see we are all single tonight. Let's celebrate that! Let's drink all night and play Dungeons and Dragons!" That was the best part! The drinks came out of the fridge in no time and we settled in for a long night -- the best time I had in months. What do you think: people should change for their loved ones? Click here to comment.

Saying Hi to Unexpected Friends

If relationships were food, their aftertastes would never go. That's what I realized the other day. I was walking to office, cars whizzed past me as my deadlines were recently doing! I had a lot of work to do, I had not written a single line in the previous one and a half days. I was collecting my thoughts, which were scattered like dry leaves. But before I could gather all the pieces, a fresh gust of wind came and scattered them again. Confused? So was I when I saw Laura on the other side of the road.

She had seen me too. Now a hi or hello in these conditions had to be pitch perfect in tone and expression. I didn't want to be rude, or sound desperate either. I went up to her and said "Hi". I think I got it correct, because she smiled and tossed a "Hello". We exchanged a couple of words like, "How have you been, are you enjoying the summer," etc. It was a bit awkward because we both were caught by surprise and we really didn't know what was appropriate to say or not say. She said, "Hey, why don't we catch up for coffee later?" Then she disappeared around the bend. It took me some time to get back to normal again. This is what I could not understand. I was over with this relationship, then why did it rattle me like that? I guess some things do not have an end, they just change directions... I don't know where it's going to go this time. Should I call her or should I not? There's just so many things that are going on.

Keeping to our trend in the last couple of newsletters, this edition's Zen quote comes from my Facebook friend Nawal Juma of Mombasa, Kenya. It says: "Friendship is the seed of life, sow it well and embrace the joy which lasts more than a lifetime." A very profound and thought-provoking one Nawal, thanks for sharing this with us. Remember folks, this newsletter is read by a great many people all over the world. I'm really glad to have you guys as friends. 
Send Hi Ecards Free!

Romantic Wedding

During my weekly catch-up dinner with friends, Kate told us about a romantic wedding Jeffrey took her to in Prospect Park. She still can't stop talking about Jeffrey, and now it's even worse! They went to this really romantic wedding on a hill in the park. The groom was connected with some city officials and got the venue without much hassle. Kate said, "It wasn't a big wedding. The guests included enough people from both sides. Families and close friends. It was kinda a big deal for me because I met Jeffrey's mom and dad. They were really nice. Everything was so elegant..." of course I zoned out by then! You know me, I'm not the romantic sort who can keep track of all this.

I remembered Megan being wide-eyed, and so was Irina! What is it about the wedding season that makes all girls crazy? It was a good thing Kaitlin couldn't make it because who knows what drama would start. Kate went on about the ceremony and how the bride and groom wrote their own vows. How it had African elements as well as the Jewish elements into it to celebrate both of their heritage and traditions. "That's what a wedding is supposed to be, it's something that'll make your dreams come true," concluded Kate--starry eyed. I wonder what she's thinking in her head about Jeffrey, or even Jeffrey's intentions. I mean going to a wedding, meeting the folks... ya know what I mean? Well, you're going to have to stay tuned on this saga! Another romance saga however turned out to be a totally different story...