Well, maybe this one wasn't quite happenstance because it happened because my friend and 2x former roommate got married!
I was so pleased to receive K Rob's text sharing his engagement and asking for my address to invite me to the wedding. I was even more pleased to attend.
On the Friday before, he invited the out of towners to the Pizza Port in Carlsbad, and I was reunited with Kevin, met his fiancee Aimee, and then got a huge bonus when Smitty and Kelly, Smoky and Chanel, Dino and Veronica, Lams, and Jivs were all there, all with their children, ages ranges 2 to 16. It was so joyful to spend time with them again, and I really hope that it becomes a regular happening because I knew I missed them but didn't realize how much.
K Rob and I have done an off-and-on job of catching up, something that definitely fell off during and due to the pandemic. He was there during some of my toughest and best years: undergrad and my doctoral program, and we were roommates for around 5 years total. I was so honored to be there for his big day and loved that it was super quirky and personal.
The rest, well, they were my best friends in undergrad and the years after, the guys who always treated me like one of the guys and also still always looked after me and made me feel safe and cared for.
It was so nice to see all of them again, to see them partnered and not, and all parenting lovely kids with big personalities.
I am bummed I didn't really take pictures at the wedding!
Before the wedding, I also popped up to see the brilliant Dr. Kai Mathews, and that was super delightful.
I also had the bonus of seeing Tyler, who popped over to play trivia with John, Jenny, Conor, and me. I know Tyler from my years of Big Ten kickball in San Diego, and I'm hoping to see him and more of that crew next time I'm in town.
What a great trip. My cup is very full right now.
