So back in um... March, I guess it was, a friend of mine from Toronto who had moved out to the coast, sent me an email saying that a friend he had made at the coast, who was also originally from back east, was now moving to my neck of the woods.

"I think she's cool, and I think you're cool, so I think you should meet."

Cool.

He introduced us via Facebook and we had a few little chats about the area, and fully intended to hook up... and that's pretty much where we left off.

She got a job at a local winery, so when I had a friend out for my birthday in May, we did a wine tour, which allowed me to meet C in person. She seemed like a nice gal. We planned to hook up for coffee or a drink sometime.... and then the summer passed. And then the autumn passed. (Well, technically I suppose autumn hasn't completely passed yet... but most of it has.)

Anyhow, I guess C went back to the coast for a visit a couple weeks ago, and our mutual buddy asked her if we had hooked up yet... which prompted her to message me.

How could we have let the summer pass by without making time to hook up even once? I don't know... Life gets in the way, I guess. People have their jobs, their routines, their Septembers sucked up with weddings and travel.

We made a plan to meet up sometime soon and maybe check out a band or whatever. I told her about a couple places in town that host some good live music... although one is kinda seedy, and the other is in a seedy neighbourhood.

She got back to me soon after, all excited that one of her fav Toronto bands, Mr. Something Something, was coming to town on Dec. 1st. She was trying to get a group of friends together, and wanted to know if I was interested.

I was in.

Now, Dec. 1, J's family was coming into town to celebrate Bro's birthday (which is actually today, the 3rd). But I had already wished Bro an early happy birthday when the gang all got together on Saturday night. Not to mention, December is such a busy month, I knew I would see everyone again when BRO/SIL's baby arrives next week, then for J's birthday the week after, and then we'll obviously be spending a few days together for Christmas the week after that. (Jeez, Christmas is almost upon us and I haven't bought a single gift yet! We're taking it low-key this year though, so I'm not too stressed...) In other words, with all the quality time December will bring, I didn't feel too guilty about bailing on a roast beef dinner with my in-laws in favour of spending an evening listening to afro funk with strangers. I dunno... it just sounded more interesting.

I wrote MIL and SIL a nice little "I know family should come first, but I have plans..." email, and agreed to assume the position as second-favourite DIL... which is an ongoing joke MIL always tosses our way when she wants us to do something. - "Well, I guess we know who my favourite DIL is!" Hey, what can I say? I've never been very competitive. I'll happily accept my green participation ribbon. Sometimes gold just isn't worth the effort. ;)

Anyhow, because I really should be working instead of blogging, I will make this 'what could be a very long story' short...

So, the question is, was choosing afro funk with strangers more fun and interesting than a roast beef dinner with in-laws? Absolutely yes!

The strangers were all really friendly, fun to talk to, and the band rocked! Even though I was completely out of my element, I felt totally comfortable. It was nice to hang out with a different group of people other than my usual built-in group of friends... and dare I say it, I had more fun chatting and dancing with these strangers than I've had in a long time with the ol' gang.

Believe me, I absolutely adore the cute little singing performances by my friends' kids. I think they're precious. I have no problem hanging with the wives, trying to find a way to sympathize with the struggle to find decent maternity clothes. And over the years, I've grown accustomed to the many quirks in our group, such as N's immaturity or how R is *always* yelling at her kids for no reason other than to hear the sound of her own bark. They're my built-in friends. It's just how it is. I like 'em, even if I wouldn't have chosen them. Kinda like family.

I guess I'm just saying that Monday night was a refreshing change of pace. I'm glad I went... and hopefully it won't be another two seasons before C and I can make plans like that again.