Real Simple

After a LONG day at work yesterday, I got home to find that the US Postal Service had delivered a little love. It was magazine day! I’ve said it before but it bears repeating: the simple things in life really make me the happiest. So I changed out of my work clothes, curled up into the leathery goodness of my couch and settled in for some reading. First, a little Real Simple, because I love the simple. Then there was the August issue of Cooking Light. Not because I have any real interest in eating light, but their recipes are pretty good and I do love to cook. But I saved the best for last…W. On the cover, a catatonic-looking Katie Holmes. After I read the article I decided that she’s been completely brainwashed. The article was borderline frightening. The journalist asked a myriad of questions and her reply was the same for each one. Tom is the most wonderful man. (Or some variation thereof.) It was honestly scary to read. But my terror was short-lived as I turned the page to see the new Ralph Lauren bag – The Ricky Bag. *Sigh* Why must I be so addicted to expensive accessories? And shoes? (Note the juxtaposition of my “simple things in life really make me the happiest” statement and my love of designer handbags. Hypocrisy at its’ finest, ladies and gentlemen.) As I sat salivating onto the RL ad, my cell rang.

I think I’m in your driveway…
Yeah!!! Park and come in.
Ok, but close your eyes because I have an early birthday gift.
Yeah!!! Park quickly and come in!

And with that, he was at the door with alcohol and a grin. K. is in town for a wedding but he will also be making a cameo at my birthday luau on Saturday night. He’s in from Kansas and we haven’t seen each other in two years so we sat on the couch and caught up on life and talked about college days.

Remember how much you hated me when you first met me?
I didn’t hate you; I thought you were an obnoxious drunk, though.
Well, I was. Hell, I still am. But you loved me after I saved your flood party when I showed up with the extra keg.
Well who doesn’t love a boy with a keg?

He was the guy who would buy me a drink every single time I walked into The Jay (local dive bar near campus) in college. He was one of the first people to come and visit me in Denver after leaving law school. A few years ago, I was on the phone with K. while at the office when a bouquet of flowers was delivered to me. As I was telling him about the delivery, K. interrupted with the question, “He sent roses, didn’t he? I could tell from the slight hint of disappointment in your voice.” K. knows me well enough to know that I’d rather get anything than roses. It’s not that I don’t like them; they just seem a bit…well…cliché. Simply put: the kid just knows me.

The alcohol-induced drowsiness began to kick in and I decided it was time for bed. K. decided he was going to stay up and watch tv for awhile. After making sure the guest room was guest-ready, I said good night and asked if he needed anything.

“I’ve got a drink, the remote and the air conditioning – I’m good”, he said as he stretched out on the couch.

I love that kid because he likes the simple things too. Oh, and the fact that he always shows up with drinks is pretty good too.