It's amazing how much you learn about yourself in the course of three days. These past three days have been filled with new people and new ideas, some of which are crystal clear, some of which are still being interpreted, and some of which are best left unsaid.
Friday night we had drinks at a bar with three new friends and afterwards they headed back to our place for some more drinks and conversation. One of the girls I already knew I got along with pretty well, and I was almost positive from previous time spent together that I would have a lot in common with the newer girl. I just assumed the guy in the group would be similar to the relationship that I have with most guys: somewhere in between someone I can't stand and someone that I can easily tolerate for long periods of time but generally wouldn't spend time with on my own without other people present. I was quite surprised to find that not only do we have some philosophy and interests in common, but that he is attentive, supportive, seemingly honest, and not afraid to show some emotion. That's a good thing in my book.
Also on Friday I held a girl as she cried. It was a bit awkward, actually. Not because she was crying, or because I had my arms around someone I hardly knew, but because it was the first time in a long time that I've felt so much pain from someone else and I had no solution to offer. I could do nothing but offer my shoulder, my ear, and my sympathy. Those who unwrap and offer much of themselves to the world also stand to feel the most pain during the storm when those aspects are left uncovered and exposed.
Saturday morning, with only four hours of sleep, Jess and I headed to the airport to pick up her friend Pat who was visiting us for a few days before spending a week here on business. We went to Bread Winners for breakfast then drove around Dallas a bit. We ended up doing some window shopping at the Bishop Arts District and then headed home. After getting him situated the three of us headed out for a nice swim at the pool. Then we went out for a Mexican food dinner. After dinner, Pat and Jess napped a bit while I watched some TV. Then we headed to Mike's place for a party.
Mike's was a good time, as usual. There were a few people there that I hadn't seen in a while and one that I hadn't seen in several years. It was nice to catch up and goof off and be myself with a group of people that I've grown very comfortable with over the years. We got home around 2am and quickly fell asleep.
Sunday we got up late and lazed about the house for quite a while. Eventually, we made our way to the Kimbell Art Museum and then to Sundance Square. After a few Cowboy clothing stores and a cup of coffee, we headed to Denton for an early dinner and then home for another swim. We spent waaaay too much time going down the water slide. Pat and I agreed that, as childish as it was, there was great satisfaction in hearing the lifeguard shout out a score after each trip down. I even got a 10 once. I was so proud. After swimming we went home, watched a bit of TV, and finally called it a night around 11pm.
This morning we got up and got ready. Then I took Pat by his hotel for a bit and then dropped him off in Oak Lawn before heading to work. I'm not sure if we'll get a chance to see him again before Friday, but I hope so. He's a lot of fun.
