csberry

I had three different plans for tonight over the past week. None of them happened.

Originally, I was going to the Eagle Court for the Scout troop with which I work. The boy getting his Eagle rank was one of the first ones I met when I came to the troop as an adult leader a couple of years ago. He's the best leader in the troop and I'm really proud of him.

Alas, JD reminded me on Monday that she had to reschedule one of her child birthing classes because of sick students, so everyone was coming over tonight and I would be on Nigel duty. The night looked like it was going to be another instance of me stuffed in the back of the house...only I got to deal with a 4-month old, too! To top it off, he's had allergy problems the past few days and has been high-maintenance and cranky. Nigel has barely slept and usually insisted on nursing the whole time when he did pass out for a few hours overnight.

Thankfully, Nigel had a HUGE nap today after the doc gave us some meds to clear his nose. He awoke very perky, so I headed out to the church for the Eagle Court. I would stick around until a baby detonation, then I would put gas in the car and head home for purgatory time with Nigel.

Nigel lasted for about five minutes at the Scout function. Just got restless and cries sure can carry in churches. So we headed to the BP on S. Parkway to fill up. I play with him while the gas is pumping and he's absolutely perky. I decide to drive up to Bella Beads to see if I can beat their 7pm closing time and see Jenny. If Nigel was still crying by Drake I would turn around. By the time we got to Airport, he was blissed out watching the streetlights wiz by and I proceeded to Five Points. Alas, the store was closed and Jenny wasn't there.
Nigel started getting fidgety from the lack of movement or lights, so I popped onto I-565. He was blissful again. We went out to the Huntsville Airport, headed back into H'ville, turned onto Research Park Blvd, then eastbound on University. I then realize that it is M-night for the H'ville LJers. It was very tempting to go by since I'd never made it to the restaurant before...but I've got a baby with me. We zip past the La Alameda and an idea crosses my mind. I'll turn around, check on Nigel. If he's perky, we go inside. If he's cranky, sad, or tired, we will go home.

I pull into the parking lot and he's got the biggest grin on his face. Guess I get to go inside and introduce myself. I detach his bucket from the base and take him inside. Before is a series of tables pushed together with 20ish people around it. I immediately shuffle over to

chris21718 so I have someone to talk to while I'm there. Cries of "someone brought a baby" and such start coming from several females at the table. This is followed by two women on the other side of the long table shouting my name. Don't you know that it's two friends from high school!

Stina, aka

glitterlioness, was my date to the Christmas Ball my soph year (Xmas '88, I believe). I've got a pic but my files are now on a different server and I haven't downloaded the new software I need for updates yet. I'll post it soon, though.

I was the perfect gentleman that night. I think... I can certainly testify that this was one of those "special friend" dates that would become routine over the next 6 years. I'm just glad this was also one of those times I DID NOT have blueballs afterwards. ;)

I don't know how much Cyn remembers of this, but

cyn_ful got me into serious trouble in h.s....well, actually her mother. Not certain who started it...probably her!...but we exchanged some rather racy notes for a few weeks my soph year. Apparently, she kept them in a box or something at home. Her mom discovers them and calls my parents. They, armed with quotes from my notes, ask where they went wrong. My dad even asked me if he needed to get me a prostitute so I could get some of those vile things out of my system. I'm not kidding at all, folks! So, Cyn...thanks. ;)

I get a seat by

glitterlioness and

cyn_ful and Nigel gets his bucket placed in a stand. Then the other ladies descended upon the wee one. Next thing I know, Nigel is getting passed around and LOVING IT! I think I managed to converse some with those at the table and keep an eye on him at the same time. There was no mistaking

prairieflower, but I regret not asking more people for their lj names.

I had a good time and hope that there will be another Wed night that I get to escape from the house to see everyone again.