Spending someone else's money

Last evening, I tagged along with my young friend Sarah to help her pick out furniture for her first apartment. We went to Nebraska Furniture Mart, the country's, maybe even the world's, largest furniture store. On her list: a sofa (a necessity in the event of parties and guests) and possibly coffee table or bookshelves.

It ended up being kind of fun, at least for me. Too bad we didn't have a camera because it seemed pretty amusing the way we were systematically, and simultaneously, trying out each sofa for comfort by sitting or even laying down on it.

I think we must've tried out a couple hundred sofas. It was surprising how many (actually, most) really aren't comfortable at all, and cost was not necessarily an indicator of comfort or attractiveness. One in particular would've been good for a "Kodak moment" - it was enormous and pillow-endowed, built for freakishly tall people, I think. My feet stuck straight out off the edge, I couldn't reach the floor. Basically I pretty much disappeared when I landed in there amongst all those pillows! Sarah had to rescue me by pulling me up and out of the engulfing upholstery.

She ended up finding one she liked, although there was a more "girly" one that she might have preferred. However, taking into account untidy and rambunctious friends, she choose a classy, darker colored, more durable and comfortable one, which seemed more practical. A very cool, multi-functional coffee table was chosen, as well.

I have concerns that she feels a bit squeamish about the expense. I've been there a few times myself! I did try to assure her that at least this sort of purchase is rather an investment, and one she will not have to make again for a very long time.

All that sofa-testing and shopping was a lot of work! We were feeling some hunger pangs and ended up grazing at an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffett afterwards. Of course, I ended up eating too much.

Anyhow, I hope she enjoys her new purchases and discovers how cool it is to have your own place, your own stuff and the freedom of living on your own!

Inspiration, anyone?

So...as I'm pretty new to this blogging stuff, I could use some topic suggestions. I still need to figure out why my photos aren't importing and fiddle around with "personalizing" my blog - making it all organized, pretty and stuff.

I've been known to be quite humorous, creative and even talented when it comes to writing...I think the subzero temperatures have caused my brain to resemble something similar to a raspberry ICEE.

The French say "Au revoir"...

"Until next time." I hate saying goodbye. There is something too final about it, especially when it comes to bidding a dear friend farewell. Our friends have done a good job of documenting Jillian's "victory tour" and multiple going-away goings-on, so I will keep it simple.

Jillian, you have become a dear friend, in spite of the significant age difference (at least literally :) and relatively short time we've known each other. Thank you for being a shoulder to lean on, a sympathetic ear, a wiper-away of tears, a giggle-instigator, a nourisher of appreciative taste-buds, and an anchor when I sometimes go off the deep end!

Good luck in your exciting new adventures. Au revoir, my friend.

Pathetic

Sometimes I wonder if I could screw up any more? Honestly, I try so hard to "do the right thing," often at the cost of my own happiness or comfort. This time has been difficult because I'm dealing with too many emotions and situations and it just went past my comfort level. I'm usually pretty good at being "unflappable" (as my boss calls me) but my defenses broke down this time. Too much information, too vulnerable. Me being whiney and pathetic. Inevitably, it seems I manage to make a mess of things anyway. Among other issues, I've probably alienated, hopefully only temporarily, a couple of friends that I care very much about.