Christine

I met Danish's cousin Christine on Wednesday. Blah, that was so long ago...it's strange to meet someone that belongs to the same family who is so normal. Not that there is anything wrong with Danish, or anything wrong with normal; it's just that I've known him for such a long time that I correlate him with my weirdness...he has always been a freak just like me. But Christine...she's so well-adjusted and sweet and all-American. She doesn't look anything like Danish, and she smells so good. And I liked her immediately, to my relief, and I think she liked me back. We picked her up from Danish's other cousin Leah's apartment and went to Billiard Bar on Greenville Avenue for Michelle's 30th birthday. The scene there is nice, where the girls are pierced and tattooed and the guys look like Harmony Korine. It was $1 PBR night! I enjoyed myself and was pleased to see Danish enthusiastically interact with Christine who was equally entertained by everything he said. When midnight rolled around, we embarrassed Michelle by singing happy birthday to her. A few of her friends had shown up, but Michelle excused herself and went home before 1, claiming she was just too tired and old to stay out any longer. She didn't even finish the Tuaca Lemon Drop shot I got for her! At any rate, we made new friends with people we didn't know and laughed and took pictures and bade them farewell as we stumbled back to the car (I stumbled. I was also made fun of by some girls standing in front of The Cavern for saying out loud how much I liked The Cavern). 'Twas a good night, meeting family and celebrating a birthday and all.

I love the rain we've been getting although it prevented us from seeing Grimy Styles after Brad's reception dinner last night. It was all the way out in Red Oak, Texas and we thought we were late. Hank called and said they were just getting out of the church and asked what Danish was wearing. Of course not being part of the wedding party, and having been told it was going to be a BBQ/swimming reception dealio, he was just wearing a T-shirt and shorts (as was I). Hank said, "Oh really? Well, we had to dress nice for this...Brad is wearing his suit and tie...we were going to take pictures, but I guess it will be alright with what you're wearing...hold on, Brad wants to talk to you." (Brad gets on the phone) "Hey, Danny! How's it going, man? What are you wearing? Oh...well, see we're trying to take pictures. I guess we can all change when we get there...oh no, don't worry about it...I guess it's alright." At this, Danish felt like a jackass for not wearing the appropriate attire. Maybe he wanted to cry, haha jk. Then Hank, Brad, and Richard roll up in front of the house and park. Danish tells me, "I bet you anything they were just pranking me." Sure enough, they get out of the car and they were all just wearing T-shirts and shorts, not to mention huge grins on their faces! I thought it was hilarious. I can't believe it's been almost 6 years of Danish and his friends pranking each other.

The rest of the night was fun and relaxing, lots of food and talking. It was pretty to see the lightning outside. I was happy for Brad and Bethany, like a genuine happy. I had that feeling again when I realized my friends were growing up, and I expected it to ache each time, but it didn't. I really felt happy with the fact that everyone was growing up. I can't imagine why I expected it to ache. I guess I'm blessed because it didn't, because I don't have any regrets. The future can be welcomed with open arms and an open heart. That's why I can be genuinely happy for my friends and particularly for myself. It was/is a pleasant feeling :)