Saturday, April 25, 2009

Taking the Party With You


I can't think of a party without thinking of the party scene from Breakfast at Tiffany's. I saw it for the first time only a few years ago. Even though the movie is quite old, I still watched in awe at the party that she threw. Now that was a party! I was tickled at how Audrey Hepburn was the party girl I've always wanted to be. I've been the host of many a soiree, and must admit that I love a good party. The more, the merrier. The more outlandish, the better the story the next day. Good food, good friends, good cocktails got even better with my partner in crime.

We both liked the same things. We both could hold a conversation with anyone about anything, and outlast everyone else. We hit restaurants, bar & grills, barbecues, dance clubs, even Christmas parties. That year, we celebrated every holiday big! Who cared what holiday? We were just always excited at another chance to hang out together. We made our own party everywhere we went. We were like a conversational tag-team. We had one another's backs and at times, some told us that they felt left out. Each of us was known to whisk the other away from the crowd so we could compare notes and make private jokes. When we were ready to go, we'd "blow that pop stand" hand in hand and continue our party elsewhere.

I can recall a time I ended up at a Marina with friends. As he left work, he called to find out what I was doing. Sensing the distress in my voice at having a boring time, he drove to pick me up immediately. I was so glad to be rescued. We took our party to the nearest restaurant where we talked about everything while eating & drinking wine. We walked the streets by the water until dawn and laughed about everything. One time, I remember us posing for photos in one of those booths that take horrible pictures. I almost had a heart attack chasing him through the amusement park after he snatched the picture. I caught him and jumped on his back tickling him not even realizing we were making a scene! I still marvel at how we made our fun always. From playing cards all night long, to just sitting by the water & talking, we enjoyed ourselves together.

I tell this story because not everyone can bring the party with them. Not everyone has that positive, upbeat side that can take lemons & make the best lemonade you've ever tasted. I won't say that we never had our moments where it was going to take more than a party to save us, but overall we had a blast. I realize now that one of the things that I need most is laughter. I need to have fun. We all do. I like a person who doesn't take life for granted, and isn't afraid to grab the bull by the horns, but is ok to laugh about whatever the outcome should be.
I've noticed that a lot of people have such the pessimistic attitude. They are not afraid to set out to sink your battle ship. Grumpy, grouchy, or mad at the world...they are everywhere. Some of them want to be coaxed out of their shell and taught how to have fun, but sometimes even that is too much work. I've had enough bad things happen in life to milk the hell out of every moment that is NOT a tragedy or catastrophe. I love motivating and encouraging others, but sometimes, when I am having a moment I would like to be nurtured. That is what I recall most about my party equivalent. When he thought I was down or in need, he was there front and center with ideas, suggestions, and jokes. Laughter truly is the best medicine when you aren't feeling your best.

I am still the proverbial party girl. I love to meet new people and have interesting conversations. Not much has changed since I met him. Its just very nice to be able to take my act on the road with someone. Being able to provide and receive that comfort and shelter from the world can make all the difference in the world. So now, when I am asked what I like to do, I now know that it doesn't matter what you do so long as you are in good company.
 
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