When I woke up Saturday morning, never had an inkling where the day would lead us.
Saturdays --usually my only day of the week to moderately sleep in, if I'm lucky.
When my girlfriend asked if we all wanted to go to the Food Show, we jumped at the chance. It's become tradition, at least with me.
Mom and I enjoyed all the I-X Center Shows but the Food Show seemed to be our favorite. We'd sit at home and watch so many of those shows on the Food Network night after night. Last year I went and the memories of the fun times Mom and I had came vividly swirling back.
This year, I went with friends in hopes of making new memories and curtailing the sad feelings of Mom's absence.
Boy, did we make some new memories.
We arrived just in time for Guy Fieri's crazy cooking demonstration. He was HI-LARIOUS! The morning show from Q-104 were all on stage dressed up in disco garb stemming from a radio conversation they all had with Guy. They called fans up on stage to assist and taste samplings. One blond woman was totally out of control. We've all been at that stage of drunkenness, though probably not in front of a couple thousand people.
The Fieri show and food show in general did not disappoint. Normally I'm not a wine drinker but sampled some of their fare as well as the delicious foods from around the city, around the world. I revisited the wine slushy stand. We made this last year for Thanksgiving and everyone loved it. Got a few more to make over the holidays.
It was 9pm and the night was still young. So we headed to East 4th and Zocalo for a nice Mexican dinner. Delicious. I love this place.
Afterward, we hit an old stomping ground of ours stemming back at least 15 years --Flannery's.
We used to be in here almost every night. Those days have subsided but always nice to return to your old 'home away from home.'
My girlfriend and I met a most intriguing person at Flannery's. Actually a number of folks we'd never seen before. The first 3 were super nice kids. 2 of them worked for the Bainbridge Fire Department. The other girl is back in school studying. What a hoot. They were hysterical. One of the men spotted a girl he wanted to meet at the other end of the bar. We all chided him to go over there, get the nerve and start talking. My girlfriend even boosted his confidence by reminding him of the Tom Cruise scene in 'Top Gun' where they belt out 'You've lost that loving feeling.' Next thing you know, we are all singing the song at the top of our lungs. Whether he wanted the girl to notice him or not, we were all in her spotlight now.
Another unique individual caught our eye. We all met haphazardly as he struggled to get close enough to the bar to get a beer and we were sitting right at the bar. He was dressed in a suit, which was not the norm for this crowd.
We all got to talking. Found out he was in town for the Milwaukee Admirals vs Lake Erie Monsters games. He was the assistant goal tending coach for the Admirals but assists with most of the teams in this particular league --including the Cincy Cyclones, Niagra Ice Dogs, Nashville Predators. But most impressive about Ben Vanderklok was his love for coaching the little kids during the off season and his excitement surrounding Christmas.
Mind you, it's not Thanksgiving yet. My friend Katie and I want everyone to slow down. The day after Thanksgiving, everything can begin, lights go up, shopping, ready-set-go!
Ben wouldn't mind if Christmas was year round.
I asked if he celebrated The Feast of St. Nicholas. His eyes lit up. He asked if I was Dutch and put my wooden clogs out? He is Dutch and lives in Canada. I told him we have a variation down here in the States. I am and Italian Catholic and celebrate the feast, but we put our stockings up by the fireplace.
Most guys I know (and I'm not saying I know Ben) don't send cards, don't exchange gifts, really don't get into the holiday spirit except to appease their wives and kids. I was digging talking about the Christmas season and traditions with Ben the hockey coach.
Katie and I amazed him. He said he would never be able to hold a conversation such as the one we were all having with some of his female friends up north. Katie and I were telling him about our Cleveland Browns, naming players, who was on the injured list, blah blah blah. His jaw dropped. And then he broke my heart when he asked if the Cleveland Indians' purse was mine. Katie interjected and said, "Danielle is the biggest Cleveland Indians' fan." He shook his head and could not understand.
He can't wrap his arms around major league sports. Totally enjoys minor league, college and high school so much more than the major league fanfare. He asked if I really enjoy the team or just the 'social event' surrounding the games.
I was speechless and then came back to life telling him I adore the game of baseball and watching 'my' Cleveland Indians. I don't go to the games because they are an event. I follow them game to game, win or lose, do or die.
Flannery's had a live band which captivated Ben. He kept wandering up to hear the live music. When the music ended, he wanted to find another place with a live band. Unfortunately, Cleveland was shutting down early this Saturday night. Midnight and Fat Fish was closed, and no other places we passed had anymore live music playing.
We finally landed at The Corner Alley. We were too late to bowl but played a few game of pool. He could not believe that a bar had a bowling alley or a police officer guarding it. He was intrigued by all the bars on E 4th having security. He was also amused by the bride and groom who were enjoying some cocktails in the bar. He alluded to the fact that he's probably be doing something else on his honeymoon rather than sitting in a bar/bowling alley. Finally the bride and groom and their guests did get up to head back to their hotel right across the street.
For a hockey coach who claimed he did not play pool --he lied. Total pool shark. But ya know, we had a blast nonetheless!
I swear, life truly takes us all on journeys that we'd never imagine. I kind of like that. Though I'm quite organized and like to stay on script much of the time, it's those impromptu happenings, those serendipities, those detours which lead us to much of the excitement which enriches our lives more than we ever imagined!
I thank Katie and Monique....Guy Fieri and the Food Show folks....and last but certainly not least, Ben Vanderklok for a fabulous day and memories which will remain with me for a lifetime!
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