welcome to the neighborhood

a while back, we received a greeting card/coupon from bobby and steve's auto world.

http://www.bobbyandstevesautoworld.com/nicolletavenue.html

"welcome to the neighborhood!" it said. "use this coupon for a free meal for two from our grill or a free oil change." this coupon-card was put in the "keep it" mail pile.

the only decision left to make was which to accept from bobby and steve? the meal? the oil change? well, i asked andy if he wanted to check out the grill and the mint condition 57 chevy that adorns the place. andy seemed surprised that i kept this coupon, and not so interested in gas station dining.

i'm pretty sure he would have just put this in the toss-it mail pile.
so, oil change it is.

i pulled up to the bobby and steve's on 58th and nicollet. (not the scary one with the tiny police station inside on washington avenue.)
with no appointment, they pulled my car right inside, and did the oil change for free! $0.00. they did not ask if i wanted the filter or any of those additional things or whatever. they just changed the oil that was it. it was great service.

the visit only got better. while i was buying the mandatory butterfinger candy bar while i waited, a woman dressed in street clothes, with a belt full of deflated balloons, asked me "when was the last time someone gave you flowers?" i hesitated a moment too long (i had more questions for her...) and she pulled a giant balloon-animal style flower from behind her back. the thing was three feet tall.

i looked for someone who looked like they needed a balloon flower on my way out to pass it on to. no one appeared, so i put it in the car with me and drove away, amazed by humanity. it promptly popped, loudly, and scared me to death.

brady bunch

there was a foam party in our kitchen last night and no one showed up!

i immediately thought of that brady bunch episode where the washing machine overflowed and filled up the house with bubbles.

we danced.

A Sunday night Amalgamation! Marika and Regina’s was truly the most beautiful ceremony I have ever been to. During the ceremony in which I listened to some of the most heartfelt thoughts on love and faith and unity, I was struck by how incredibly lucky I am. I have inherited this group of friends that loves each other like family. They have welcomed me and trusted me and allowed me to become a part of.

After dancing to the first few slow songs, I sat down, as I usually do, when the fast music started. But then that Outkast song came on, and I jumped up. Andy jumped up too, and we bounced and danced with these people who we love, who are our family. The next day, my neck was sore from too much head banging, and my cheeks were stuck in a smile.