Friday Night at Chuy's

Friday Night at Chuy's

This is my friend, Jennifer.  She and I have known each other since college.  We were in education classes together, student taught together, had our first jobs in the same school, were in each other's weddings, had families, and even though we didn't stay in perfectly, close touch have remained friends. 

Just recently, we have made and effort (more on her constant urging because I'm a slacker) to get together once a month.  This past Friday, we went to Chuy's after her "meet the teacher".  I took my camera and had the waitress take our picture.  We've been getting together now for a little while, so why did I choose this night for our picture?  Easy.  It brought back memories that have meant a lot to me.

16 years ago, Jen and I taught in Cedar Hill.  We were fresh out of college and I got a job teaching 7th grade Reading and Texas History, and she got a job at the same school teaching 8th grade English.  Because we lived in Far north Dallas and Cedar Hill was in the opposite direction, we carpooled together.  She'd meet me at my house and one week she'd drive and another week I'd drive.  If we didn't leave school at a certain time, we'd work late to miss traffic.

Fridays were different.  We'd leave when we could and head to the Chuy's in Dallas.  They had free chips and queso for Happy Hour, and we'd spend some time relaxing and talking about things.  It was such a wonderful ritual, and I have thought about it often since then.  We eventually went our own ways, never teaching in the same school again.  She's now in a different district than me, but we're making an effort to stay in touch.  Each time I get together with her, I remember something we did that was funny or just an off beat memory.

So this past Friday we got together for this month.  I had a lot of fun reminiscing and finding out what's going on in her life.  Even though it's not an every Friday occurrence, it gives me something to look forward to.  It's just like our Chuy's tradition, but more tailored to our lives as moms.  And I look forward to each one.