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September 10, 2002
In the Company of Men
Despite the rain and a sourpuss, I had a blast on Labor Day weekend with my friend from High School, her two friends from South Carolina, Russell and Tom, and a plethora of Police and Firefighters of New York City. Deborah and I have known each other since I was a Sophomore in High School. She moved to South Carolina about 7 years ago and seems to have set roots. She works for the Hospitality Association of Myrtle Beach. Shortly after 9-11, they spearheaded a drive to give NY Police and Firepeople Hotel and Restaurant accomodations in Myrtle Beach. The project was a rousing success; they awarded something in the neighborhood of 4000 vacations to New York's Finest. Needless to say, Deb now has a number of good friends in the police and fire departments of New York City. They were all bending over backwards to see that Deb and her friends had a good trip. As the "tour guide" of the weekend; I got to tag along. It was the best weekend I have had in a long time.
First, it was great to catch up with Deb again. The last time she visited my mom and sis were also here so, while we did get to hang out in bars together, we didn't get to really spend quality time reacquainting ourselves with each others' lives. We did that this time. Also, she has some pretty amazing friends in Russell and Tom. I don't know how she does it, but Deb seems to alwasy draw in the neatest guys. I have developed a healthy crush on both Tom and Russell for different reasons. Aside from the fact that they are both fun at a party, they are both witty, intelligent, and unphased by exposure to an independent woman. If they weren't so geographically undesireable, I'd seriously consider giving up my "frivolous fall season" for them...or one of them. So public thanks to Tom for a great chat on the subway even though you caved and revealed that I was so engrossed in the conversation I forgot to get us off the subway. And to Russell for being a great dance partner at the China Club and a great chat on our way home in the cab...although I'm not sure how much you remember about that night. At any rate, your secrets are safe with me. Big, BIG thanks go to Deborah for putting me in the company of MEN.
A highlight of the weekend was Sunday night. We were invited to have dinner at Engine 67's Firehouse on 168th and Amsterdam...with firemen! It was so much fun! As if that weren't enough, Engine 67 was hosting Engine 45 while their house was being renovated. So that meant more firemen and an extra truck. We emerged from the subway to see a Firetruck complete with all the bells and whistles waiting to escort us to the house. As there weren't enough seats in the truck, I had to console myself with an arm-in-arm walking escort to the house courtesy of Fireman Fred and Fireman Jack. It was a big sacrifice I can tell you. Both were handsome and charming..and did I mention they were firemen? The meal of spaghetti with meatballs, salad and garlic bread was scrumptious and the company was even better. We had great conversation with the guys. Is it a prerequisite that a NY Fireman must be funloving and charming? I wonder.
After our meal and cake and coffee, we got the "soup to nuts" tour of the House. The bunks, the weight room. We even had the opportunity to slide down the pole. As I was in some new pants I had just bought that day I opted out. Besides, I'm used to getting a tip when I slide down a pole. (kidding mom.) Russell and Tom both opted to try it out. They were both like kids in candy stores. When Engine 45 got a call for a stuck elevator the boys got to go on the run. Russell even held the elevator door when they were using the "jaws of life" to rescue stuck elevator-goer. While the guys were on "the call", we girls got to talk with some of the guys remaining and climb on and in the firetruck. We tried on the hat and the jacket and took some pictures of the guys. We even got a tour of basement full of all kinds of cool secrets which I will not mention here. The Firemen gave us a T-shirt which I will cherish. It was a great experience.
Posted by mermu at September 10, 2002 02:04 AM
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