Friday I met up with the InterVarsity group at Anna's apartment to go to NS's home in Sinking Spring, PA (close to Reading). It was cool to see everyone, especially the few who don't go to Wednesday night small group. EL had brought treats from Chinatown- Pork buns, pineapple buns and sponge cake. So yum!
Left in the first car with NS and JD. It was an enjoyable ride. We had the radio on, had good conversation, and stopped at BK to get milkshakes. And we arrived at NS's place first. Met the parents, and PC, EL, T and M came soon after. The folks in AL's car came last.
We figured out the sleeping arrangements first then did a little shabbat ceremony to open our weekend sabbath. There was challah bread (so beautiful), candles that say Observe & Remember, red flowers, red drink. We prayed, and drank the "wine" and ate some bread.
After that was time for s'mores! We couldn't roast the marshmallows on the fireplace because it wouldn't be safe with the Duraflame logs, so we just made them in the microwave. Still tasty.
After s'mores, tea, we all gathered in the living room, near the fireplace. Chatted up a storm, and played Catchphrase which is a very fun game. In the beginning our team was on a winning streak, but the other team won overall.
Saturday morning we had a delightful breakfast of pumpkin waffles, toast with apple butter, and eggs with scallion and cheese. Mmm! I got to chat with BL a bunch. My first time meeting her- She seems very cool and we exchanged traveling stories which is always fun. Plus, she is a fan of Hanson! As is NS so had a captive audience for regaling the Hanson concert...
After eating, we had manuscript study. We looked at Deut 8 and it was very interesting. Made me think.
Then there was lunch. We had vegetable soup and sandwiches. And after that was quiet time. Most people took a nap. I took the time to take a shower, gather my thoughts and journal a little.
Soon enough, AL, T, M, JJ, PC, JD had all gathered in the kitchen and we started to make brownies. I did the mixing, and helped M prepare the deliciously gooey marshmallow sauce. That was fun!
Later in the afternoon, AL and I went to take a walk outside. I wanted to ask her advice on a few matters, because she's always so good at listening and insightful. She also asks tough questions that make me think and allow me to figure out how/what I'm really feeling.
When we had finished talking, we ran into PC, JJ, R and BL so we joined them. We found a grassy field so went to explore that, and saw the lovely view of the mountains in the distance. And we took some photos in front of strangers' houses because it was so quaint, and fall leaves were in abudance.
Back at the house, EL, JJ and NS practiced singing and the rest of us helped with making dinner. I cooked the pasta, and chopped up garlic. JD and M made a really awesome red sauce with beef. BL made the garlic bread, and AL did salad with lemony sugared apples. Mmm!
Before eating, NS's boyfriend came. It was a pleasure to meet him. He seemed really cool. And totally put up with all of us crazies... Anyway, dinner was loads of fun- I love eating with so many people. Feels like one happy family! We discussed different slang terms and nicknames (for example, JD is now Princess Christmas becuase of a story he told earlier). And everything was really delicious, and we had 2 different kinds of dessert: Shoo Fly Pie (not my favorite) and the brownies!
Done with dinner so we headed into the cosy living room. We played the Naked Game (or Fishbowl) which has different rounds. The team I was on had all girls, but that was actually a good thing. We did a really good job guessing the words or phrases and I was stellar at the 2nd round where you say only one word to describe what's written. We ended up winning by a lot!
After that, we played Telephone Pictionary. Another great game that elicits lots of laughs! Then we just chilled, had interesting/fun/hilarious/deep conversation around the kitchen counter and snacked on Hershey's Kisses, apples, chips.
Sunday morning had to get up pretty early so that we could go to NS's church. We had an amazing breakfast of French Toast out of the challah bread, and scrapel (a type of sausage-- Pretty flavorful and well seasoned).
We then got ready to leave- Packed up, prayed, and got to the church with plenty of time. Met a few people at the church, and they were all very kind. It was a nice service, and got to hear JJ and EL singing while NS played the piano.
Afterwards, the choir had prepared some lunch for us! We had meatballs, salad and really good old fashioned kettle chips... And great desserts: Brownies with chocolate on top and blondies with chocolate chips.
We had to drive back to NYC after eating, so we took a group photo and I hugged everyone who wasn't going to be in my car. I went with AL, JW, PC and BL. It was a good ride- I slept most of the way. It was such a fun weekend!
Got into Manhattan, and made my way to Fat Black Pussycat to meet with horror movie fans. It was great to see GB, RG, GC, UH. And was suprised to run into HV there. A good surprised. And met J, and another.
Anyway, we hung out at the bar a bit, then went to the back room to watch some zombie movies. The first was 28 Days Later which was completely new to me (hadn't seen it before). It was cool that it took place in London. It was actually quite good. The dialogue, plot, and some parts were funny! Also, liked that it had a happy ending. Got to view the alternative endings too.
Then we had a break before putting the next movie in. EK had arrived, so was able to catch up with her which was fun. So the 2nd movie was the sequel: 28 Weeks Later which was a lot more gory, and higher on the stupidity factor. At least I shared fries with J and GC- They're soo yummy! And even though this movie wasn't as great, still had a great time with everyone!