Folinazzo

It can sometimes be overwhelming. It is heart-warming and reassuring to know that someone thinks highly enough of you to buy a plane ticket so you could fly across the country to attend a holiday party. That is what my friend and fellow BootsnAll member, Betty, did for me.

This past weekend was the annual BootsnAll year end holiday party. Because of my upcoming Africa trip, and due to recent unfortunate events in my personal life, I knew I could not justify spending $200-$300 for a plane ticket to Portland. Betty would hear nothing of my absence from the party and she offered to buy a ticket for me. Her offer came just at the right time, at a time when Mark and I didn’t think our luck could become any worse, and I agreed to take Betty up on her offer. She insisted the party just would not be the same without my “smiling face” (Betty and I were one of just a few BNA members who attended the very first holiday party back in 2003); my presence was mandatory. So thanks to Betty, I was able to fly out to Portland (my most favorite city in the U.S.), attend some of the most fun and memorable parties to date, and spend time with some of my oldest and dearest friends. I vowed to repay Betty for her kind gesture. Again, she would hear nothing of it. Instead, she said, my form of repayment would be to see to it that another BNA member in a similar situation was able to attend next year’s party, a type of pay-it-forward scenario. I can understand Betty’s belief in this act of goodwill; it was due to the kindness of fellow BNA member Dillon that Betty was able to attend last year’s party. I promise to pay it forward.

I also have to mention my dear friend Laura. She is one of the most thoughtful human beings on the planet. Everyone knows I have a laundry list of items and gear I still need for my Africa trip. A lot of little things but the cost sure adds up quickly. So far, Laura has surprised me with heaps of batteries for my digital camera; a bundle of Tanzanian currency; a photo album and journal for my adventure; and an entire box of Clif Bars. Never did I ask anyone to get any of these items for me. I merely mentioned to Laura in conversation that they were part of my what-I-still-need list. But even more appreciated than these material items are Laura’s unending support and encouragement. She is a friend I know I can always count on.

At my friend Angela’s house. This is the fourth year in a row she’s hosted this magnificent meal, full of every imaginable Thanksgiving food and more. Her three-bedroom duplex was packed with over 30 people and we scared the hell out of her cats all evening (we didn’t mean to, but they’re scaredy cats (sorry for the pun)). Although there was little room to move, everyone had an enjoyable time. After eating, most people cleared out, which left less than 10 of us sitting and standing around the (ping pong table converted into buffet) table playing drinking games. Some of my fondest moments of the evening took place after dinner and dessert — Jen nearly choking herself and almost vomitting while trying to chug beer during “Cups;” Francesca resembling a Christmas present and my pointing this out as she attempted to chug a beer but instead spit it all over Angela’s hardwood floors; “Beer Pong” = beer all over the floor; Lauren and me running across the hardwood floors in our socks and into the wall (we were pretending we were baseball players sliding into home).

Here’s a picture my friend Marisela took of Bob and me at the beginning of the evening. Not the best picture I’ve ever taken (is it me, or do I looked weird?), I still had my make-up on and my hair still looked good. Can’t wait for next year’s party!

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