Random Notes from the Vertebrats Reunion
1. On Friday night Owen wanted to stand up front to watch Milktoast (this morning on the way to school he reported to Becca, our crossing guard, that Dad was GREAT and then turned to Ernie and said, "and I REALLY mean that when I say you were great Daddy."). After the first song he put his hands over his ears and told me it was loud (Owen, not Ernie). Berni started giving me shit about being a bad mother for not giving my child ear plugs and as I laughingly agreed someone came over and very kindly gave me earplugs. I tried to put them in Owen's ears only to be met with GREAT disdain. God I love that boy. So having no pockets on me I stuck them in my bra. Later I got back to the table to check on Leo and he, being Leo, OF COURSE complained about it being loud so I started digging around in my bra for the earplugs. Leo's big eyes got even bigger as he stared at me and I think the other people at the table just tried to ignore me. I finally dug them out and tried to get Leo to wear them. He tried them but then pulled them out and said, "they DON'T work." I swear to God I've got the greatest guys.....they just amuse the hell out of me and hopefully I haven't scarred Leo by digging around in my bra for things to put in his ears....
2. Seeing Ileana Gomez for the first time in uh......a HELL of a lot of years.....was amazing. Ile, you must come down sometimes so we can really talk. And she had all this HAIR....beautiful waving hair. When did that happen? Oh, in the ensuing decades since I last saw her you say? I guess that makes sense. Anyway.....what a treat.
3. Whenever I go to Sasha's house I ridicule her for her deep love of her labelmaker. Honestly deep down I'm really impressed by it but it still really entertains me to see little drawers for instance labeled 'barrettes' and 'hair ties.' It wouldn't matter if I had twin girls instead of the testosterone ridden creatures I have.....there's no way hair ties and barrettes would ever refuse to co-mingle in my house----labels or no. So as soon as Vron and I walked into her kitchen, Vron noted the labels.....I SWEAR to God I didn't bring it up Sasha. I felt the need to point this out to Sasha and she put up with me until she showed up with a label for me that said 'Cynthia.' I was quite honored actually as she didn't label any of her OTHER friends and I proudly put it on my shirt. That would have been fine if I hadn't gotten up late this morning and grabbed the shirt I wore to her house..... Luckily I happened to catch a glimpse of my labeled self in the reflection of my computer screen and I think I got it off before anyone noticed. But now my big old work iMac is officially labeled "Cynthia.'
4. How many people shed tears at some point before, during or after the reunion? You may comment anonymously. So far I know Kenny did, I did and Ernie did. Anybody else? I'm not articulate enough to explain why....but there it is.....we did.....
5. I was standing in Sasha's kitchen talking with several people including Matt's wife Virginia (who was delightful I might note) and she was telling an anecdote that included Matt. Sasha walked up and asked me, "is she talking about a child or an adult" and I replied, "her husband." Sasha gave me one of those hooded eyed looks and said, "nice dodge." I must say I was highly amused but I DIDN'T MEAN IT THAT WAY MATT! But I'm still amused..... Love that Sasha....
6. Beth---I tried to find you on facebook to no avail. If you're on there let me know....
7. Another person I wish I'd gotten a picture with Steve Scariano. Next time Steve.....
8. Smile Politely has a nice write up on Friday's show.....as well as a wonderful story about the Brats coming to somebody in a dream.....reminds me of the time I dreamed they were playing on the roof of my grandparents' house in Maine....
9. Oh, and Melissa Records.....I got to see Melissa Records.....man.....life is good......
10. No doubt there's more to come.....