Art & Entertainment, Public Nudity, Church & Shopping: Recovering From the Weekend

Song Lyric of the Day:

Satisfy myself / Avoid beginners / Who long to shut my mouth

Metric
/ “Poster of a Girl

8:45PM.
As I sit here waiting for the last day of severe gastrointestinal distress to hurry up and kill me already, I thought I’d recount some of the weekend’s adventures.

Friday Night on the Town
After seeing Transformers (it’s awesome — Michael Bay didn’t screw it up; hmm…uncanny resemblance to Peter Horton, isn’t there?), Rich and I hit First Friday downtown. After going through a couple of galleries, we met up with Tamara in Market Square for dinner at Tomato Head. After dinner, Rich headed home while Tamara and I sat in the square, talking and enjoying the night. That is, until a nude woman (save for sneakers) started making her way down the far side of the square, stopping in front of outside diners and yelling at them. Thankfully, she didn’t head our way, but we left not long after that.

Party on the Lake
Rich’s work friend invited us to a lake party in Kingston on Saturday, so that’s where we sp
ent the whole day, whereupon I fulfilled every woman’s dream, which is to be seen in swimwear by her male co-workers (it’s as awesome and un-self-conscious as it sounds). Friends, food, swimming (nipping minnows = flashbacks to Piranha), watching Rich get thrown off a tube, and sun. Flat tire on the way home, followed by a night of doing absolutely nothing other than noting we both got sunburned. Of course, in my case, that simply means I have a nice color to my face for a couple of days at least. It’s a nice change.

Gone Baptizin’
My best friend, Tamara, got baptized yesterday morning. Upon arriving at Nameless Church with the ginormous congregation (two jumbotron screens, three cameramen, and an at least 76-member choir — yes, I counted — backed by a full band), I was happy and relieved to spot our friend, Cynthia, toward the back of the church. We sat together throughout the service, which lasted forever and failed to impress us. (And I was raised Catholic, so you know how easily impressed I usually am.) We both rolled our eyes at Spastic Pastor’s sermonizing, wherein he managed to denounce other denominations while condemning homosexuality, pro-choice people, and others who live and think outside the box. Despite not enjoying the actual service, though, I was more than happy to be there simply to see my friend get baptized. And fulfill my annual church-going quota.

Shopping for My Soldiers
After church (yes, you’re still on my blog), I went shopping for my Any Soldier contact and his unit. I hit Dollar Tree first: 32 items for $32 bucks — can’t beat that. I concentrated on the items I know the unit wants the most: snack foods, stationery, and personal hygiene items. I’ve printed up a photo of myself with Rich to include in the packages (three boxes) so the unit can put faces with our names; I need to write the letter tonight. I think I’m going to put a copy of the letter in each box, since it’s doubtful they’ll get all three together. I hope to have the packages on the way no later than Wednesday (might call on the spouse for help with that). My mom is intrigued by the whole care package idea, so she may contribute items for the next ones I ship; I look forward to her involvement. We’ll likely hit McKay’s for books, movies
, and games, in addition to the usual requested items.



Steve & Barry’s: My New Future Downfall
On my way to Wal-Mart to pick up a few more items for the care packages, I stopped in the new Steve & Barry’s on Chapman Highway (take that, West Knoxville!). I left the store $44 lighter, toting my two new shirts, pair of jeans, and low-top black sneakers; all but one shirt are from Sarah Jessica Parker‘s new Bitten fashion line (which is about sold out at this point). I went with the high-rise jeans because the low-rise were far too low-rise for my taste (say no to crack, kiddies). If the store had been at full inventory, I have no doubt I would’ve ended up spending more money. I like the vibe of the store — it’s like a more upscale Old Navy, with better prices and a better look. I will most definitely be making the store a regular shopping haunt in the future.

The staff wouldn’t let me take a photo of the inside.

Wally World
As I mentioned, I detoured on my way to Wal-Mart. While there, I picked up a few groceries, as well as more snacks, drink mixes, and stationery for the care packages. As far as trips to Wally World go, this one was pretty painless. Which was nice for a change.

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