Better Late Than Never

Ok, I know: I suck at updating this summer. But, really, you can't blame me. I've been working crazy hours and, when not, I'm out having crazy fun. Finally, though, I'm buckling down and writing a little something.

As everyone who has ever spoke with me knows, I absolutely adore Block Island. I'm always talking about it, always thinking about it. If you haven't been here, you can't understand, nor do I expect you to, but it really is an amazing place. With every day, I am more and more in love with the island and all the wonderful people on it. This summer I have become closer with so many of my friends, and have made some great new ones as well.

In particular, I have been so grateful that I have been able to spend more time with my friend Leah B. Leah and I first met three summers ago, the first summer both of us worked on the island. We became fast friends, spent tons of time together, and have kept in touch throughout every winter since. And, though she has taken on a "real" job, working at a private school in Connecticut, she is back for the summer, keeping me company here at the Harbor Grill.

However, though we've been chillin a lot at work, and out at night at the bars, we have yet to sit down and really spend some "quality time" together this summer. So last night we finally had a date night and made plans to have dinner. We do it every summer-- dress up, go to a nice restaurant, and chat over a few glasses of wine. It's a nice change of pace from the noise and crowds of the bars: to catch up on the happenings in each other's lives and, more importantly, swap some juicy island gossip. All day yesterday I couldn't wait for our quant little date.

There was nothing quant about last night.

Thouh I thought things would be tame, it all quickly took a turn. Moment's after sitting down at Winfield's, one of the finer dining establishments on the island, sweet little Leah had convinced me to split a bottle of wine with her. We got a bottle of the Sauvignon Blanc, a delicious wine that went down so smoothly and, quite honestly, so fast. Half way through the bottle, and 30 minutes into our gossip sesh, the wine was clearly hitting us both and we dished and giggled like forty year old women from a bad chick flick. And our food was DELICIOUS! We split a tuna tartare appetizer and I had a unbelievable duck and scallop entree that was so yummy I wouldn't be surprised if I order it every time I go there for now on (which I'm planning on doing A LOT). By the end, my pants were feeling significantly tighter and I felt as if my stomache would burst.

But, when Leah B and I have date night, we don't stop at full. Dessert was next, and with some more (gentle) arm twisting, my innocent companion convinced me to join her in ordering a coffee drink-- Kahlua and Baileys for the both of us. Though the night had not made my body any lighter, my wallet was definately missing some of it's previous weight. I knew it was worth every penny though as Leah and I laughed ourselves out the front door, trying not to trip in our rarely-worn high heels.

Of course, after a bottle of wine and a very strong coffee drink, we weren't ready to call it a night. Next we were off to The Grill to take advantage of our connections and have some free drinks. Just a block into our walk, though, our mission was disturbed when we ran into our friend Rick, a former coworker and member of our favorite island band, The 007s. Rick, being the charmer he is, soon had us following him into The National for drinks with him and his brothers. Inside was chaos-- dozens of people crammed into the bar, music playing, and guys getting quite grabby. The three of us found a nice little spot, however, and were soon drinking three 007s, the drink that inspired the band. And of course, as it always goes with Rick, a round of shots were done as well. We talked and laughed our faces off for a good hour, reminiscing about our times at the Grill and making plans for the remainder of the summer.

After another round of drinks, we made a quick stop at Nick's before heading over to Kittens to cap off the night. Many more of our friends were there and an awesome band was playing so we danced our faces off and made complete fools of ourselves-- not that that is ever hard for us to do. Again, another round of shots occured, and when I heard "Last Call!" I almost wept. I was having so much fun and was completely unwilling to let the night end.

Lucky for me, I forgot who I was hanging out with. Moments later, Rick had us on a boat in New Harbor, hanging out with some strangers and drinking beers. It was a perfect end to an incredibly unpredictable night. And, though I nursed a hangover all day at work, I wouldn'tt trade in last night for the world. Not only was it silly and crazy, but-- more importantly-- I got to really talk to Leah. Our conversation at dinner was so great, so fun, so needed. I am immensely happy to have a friend who really understands me, and who is possibly the most genuinely caring person there is. Plus, she can drink like a champ-- what else could I need?