falling in like

My faith in humanity, which reached a nadir on Friday night, has been restored somewhat. . .

There's a This American Life piece about two early 30s women, coworkers who are becoming friends. It's hard though; they don't have the time or desire to go into their backstories. One of the women makes the other a tape, explaining her important stories: jobs, family, friends, ex-boyfriends. The other listens to it as she flies cross-country. They become much closer.

This is all my convoluted way of explaining my Saturday. I went to Cannon Beach and Tillamook with A, taking advantage of E's car while she's in Philly. Cannon Beach is one of my favorite places on earth; again, it did not disappoint. A and I have hung out numerous times, but never for very long. Keeping a conversation alive for 6 hours is much more challenging than having something to talk about for 2. We did, though; we crossed from acquaintanceship to friendship. We told each other the important stories: friends, family, travels, jobs, moves, boys. It was great. She's smart and funny and kind. She shares my fascination with the Tillamook cheese rabbi. Really, what more can one ask for in a friend?

Bonus goodness: I got to ride in a mini. a surprising amount of leg room. And I got to see AM again & meet her boy. He told his worst date story: a woman who tried to find common interests not in movies, books, etc., but in drugs. A five minute conversation of
her: 'have you tried ______?'
him: 'no.'
her: 'oh. well, have you tried ________?'
him: 'no'
comforting to know that others have spent awkward times with no-longer-potential love interests.

More bonus goodness: I met a cute boy at church. It was his first time there. Apparently the Unitarians were mentioned in his sociology class. He was talking to Allison Frost and J, a parent of one of my sunday school students. They introduced us so I could talk about young adult church things to him. He went to brunch with me & some other unitarian young adults. He's very young (20!) & escaping his christian upbringing. I have no desire to intangle myself it that.

Sometimes, having someone to look at is enough. . .