Laura's Night

In continuation of the great Friday that I started out with yesterday, somehow Saturday turned out equally just as well. Of course it kind of sucked that I had to be awake at 07:00 so that I could make it down to the University of Illinois at Chicago Pavilion for Cesar's graduation ceremony. But like any other person who is close to Cesar, I felt especially proud of him, as he has finally achieved that life milestone that seemed illusive. Keyword here being "elusive," because in reality, he actually put forth his full efforts and he actually made it. Finally. If I was his parents, I'd shed a few tears! ;-)

Then the day went on without skipping a beat when I went to Chinatown for Dim Sum brunch with Christine. Food was yummy, but the company was far better. I was able to chat more with her than when we are with our usual company, despite the fact that we were talking about work. But she did talk about MUN and family, so that made it all the better.

But the biggest highlight of this Saturday was tonight when I went down to Martyr's for a live music performance by the Weepies. At first I didn't think I would go, considering the facts that I had two tickets, Amber had to work {she was the one who brought the Weepies to my attention}, and I couldn't find anybody else who would enjoy the Weepies' music genre. That's right. I'm an alternative rock fan, yet somehow I love bands like the Weepies. And don't you believe it when some of my long-time friends tell you that I love the Indigo Girls as well. Ha ha ha. Anyway, at the last minute when I jumped in the cab, I thought to myself, "This is just as good as any night to enjoy John time!" So I went by myself!

Amazing. That's one of the few words I would describe my experience tonight. Steve and Deb were amazing! Their music and lyrics are already awesome to begin with, but what made it all the more better is that they actually have this apparent chemistry and bond between them when they performed on stage. And it was just oh-so-cute when Steve was a little bit of a nervous wreck up there. But he trumped it by being such a funny guy. And Deb too!

As if their music wasn't enough, their voices were harmoniously beautiful. If only I had Steve's voice and his talent playing guitar, I would want to be him! And if God had given XX chromosomes and the same angelic voice and musical talents as Deb, I would want to be her! {But I do have to add that I do not want to be them. I don't know if I can handle the coyote going around my cabin looking for their three legged friend.} I have not had such a great time listening to a live performance as tonight in forever. Perhaps the last time was the Dave Matthews Band concert many years ago, or the U2 concert in Kansas City right after 9/11 in 2001. I was so happy that I ended up going to Martyr's, as it was quickly apparent that the decision was totally the right one. Not to mention therapeutic to my soul.

Now, why is Laura part of all this? Well, I kind of get a little bit depressed and reminiscent every time I listen to the Weepies, or other similarly great bands with the same style and genre. You see, many years ago, when I was young, I was stupid. I did not invest as much time on my close friends as I do now. I was going after the elusive corporate gold, putting work as my top priority. And the result of that? I lost Laura, a close friend who would accompany me to dinner twice a week when we were in Seattle, albeit our different client assignments, or our weekends together doing fun and relaxing things like checking out indie bands in some random local music festivals, or our random ski trips. And the Weepies is totally our kind of music.

Ever since the conclusion to my U-Dub assignment, I lost track of Laura. And I just can't stop beating myself up for telling myself, week after week, that oh, I'm too busy with work and traveling, so I'll just call her tomorrow. Tomorrow always turned into next week; next week always turned into next month. Before long, it had been so many months since we talked. And by then, it was too late. A lost friend. Not just any, but a close one who is few and far in between.

So as I enjoyed the music, and occasionally sang along under my breath, I kept on thinking about Laura. And how much I missed her. And how I wished that she was there with me at Martyr's tonight. Enjoying the Weepies, nodding to each other in approval and satisfaction without an exchange of words, in total understanding of each other. Hence, I dedicate tonight to Laura's night. I miss you.