An Adventure, A Christmas Present, and a Ray of Hope

Sweater Grrrl

Day 6 in the Land of Sanity

What a long, strange trip it’s been…

I wrote a huge long post last night, and Blogger ate it. * Sigh *

Suffice it to say, I got tipped off last night (by the lovely Meg) that the site where I planned to have my SN’B meeting in two weeks had closed suddenly. (Someone told her that they’d seen people carrying glassware/cash register/etc. out through the parking lot- not a good sign.)

Since I’d checked with the owner two weeks ago about having a group meet there on a recurring basis, and he’d seemed thrilled- well, color ME surprised! My friend Angela and I went to do recon- while there were no signs posted, the place looked like it had been cleaned out. I tried calling the phone number, which forwarded me to someone’s personal cell. I hung up.

First lesson- you can’t hang up on people’s voicemail anymore. Two hours later, I got a call back from what sounded like a very large party with a lot of middle-eastern music playing in the background and “Who is this-you called me?” Once I recovered my hearing, I deduced that it was the guy I had spoken to, and he told me he’d sold the business.

Anyway- 7PM on a Tuesday night, and my new SN’B group was effectively homeless. Angela and I racked our brains, but everywhere we could think of was too corporate, too small, or closed too early. Somewhere in the depths of my memory, I recalled a cute coffee place that I always drove by. So we headed in the direction of Palm & Bullard.

We walked in, and the place seemed perfect! Relaxing music, nice comfy couches and big tables. Angela tried a mocha (in the name of science) and pronounced it yummy. We spoke with the ladies behind the counter about having a knitting group meet up there, and they were thrilled. They already had a group coming in on Thursdays, but they usually met up on the “other side”.

That’s when I realized that the other side of the café was a Christian bookstore. And that I had not mentioned the name of the group when we were making plans. So of course, I had to ask if the name “Stitch N’ Bitch” was going to pose a problem.

That poor lady! She just looked completely stunned. She finally ventured, “Well- as long as you don’t say it too loud…or carry signs or anything!” (Hehe…I have to admit it, now I want to get a sign!)

So anyway, we decided against it- we want everyone to be comfortable. However, if you want a relaxing place to hang out and can get along without using profanity for about 30 minutes, check out AviAno. Good coffee, nice people- can’t beat that with a stick! Just don’t say the B-word. ;)

Meanwhile, it was getting later, and my husband was getting hungrier, and my cell phone was going non-stop. Koffeeheads & Pearl Tea House didn’t have enough seating. Marie Callendar’s had a banquet room, but it was booked that night. Aiiiigh!

I was about ready to break down and call Starbucks, but instead called my mother as a security measure. Her suggestion, “Can you change the name of your group?” (no way, Jose!) While we both racked our brains, I spotted an ad in the phone book with a little tiny starburst: “Ask us about our new conference room!”

So I called and spoke with Marshall (who probably thinks I am insane, but humored me nonetheless.) It sounded great, so I booked it- same bat time, different bat channel: Sequoia Brewing Company! It doesn’t get much more perfect than that. Just check out the website or send me an e-mail if you’d like more info.

Also- my poor husband! He’s been sick for three days- He tried to go in to work last night, but he looked like death warmed over, so they sent him home.

Anyway, I was wrapping all the gifts and stuff last weekend, and I noticed that there was nothing under the tree for me. So I started nagging, and he just kept putting me off, saying stuff like, “Well, I think the pants you bought online last week should be your present,” etc. Which of course, upset me- I had put a lot of time and effort into his gift! And unfortunately for him, his track record is not great- he’s a “last minute desperation shopper” most of the time.

This morning, he was all dejected. I guess he talked to my parents last night, and they both bought me the same gift that he did. This is probably the first time he’s gotten something for me in advance, and he has been keeping it hidden in his truck so he could surprise me. He even wrapped it himself, and he did a great job (and now I know where all my silver ribbon went!) Needless to say, I was very impressed and very touched at all the effort he went through.

He wanted alternate gift ideas- he’s supposed to call my parents back today and give them some more ideas. I suggested an Ultimate Sweater Machine or a full set of ebony Lantern Moon Needles, which weren’t on my original Christmas list, but which I would love love love. Perfume and a watch was another suggestion. Hopefully he’ll be able to find something else that he likes (or talk my parents into getting something else…)

Still have to finish the yoga bag strap and scarf, and clean my house. So I know what I am doing tonight!

In the meantime- I have applied for an open position in another department that I am interested in. I know I would enjoy working for the Manager over there, and I just got an email from her asking me to notify my manager, so she can set up an interview for me sometime next week. Yes!!! It’s almost like Escape from Witch Mountain…