meeting old friends for the first time

[verbicide]

Last night was special. I got to meet ccm321 for the first time. We've been friends for over ten years now. Both of us insomniacs, staying up way too late with copious infusions of caffeine keeping the sandman at bay. Our chats are always random, and very sporadic. Sometimes days, weeks, months and even years between contact, but when we meet up again, the passing of time proves irrelevant.

I'm fairly shy about meeting people from the net, but when he IM'd me last week and said he and his wife were coming out to Seattle-Vancouver for a week, there was no way I could let cowardice keep me from tackle-hugging him.

I met them at their hotel and tackled Chris. And promptly stomped on his foot. He was very forgiving. We've obviously exchanged pictures, but there are some things that I didn't expect. He's TALL. And he has an unmistakable twinkle in his eye. Full of mischief. And he's a great hugger, foot-stomping and all. And his wife was absolutely adorable. Down to earth and bubbly. She immediately told me he'd been nervous all day. This made me feel better, because I'd been nervous all day, too.

That lasted approximately 2 seconds. Because here was my old friend. I knew him already. And he was every bit as wonderful in person as I've known him to be.

I took them to Cafe Bizarro (where tragically there was no Seth) and they destroyed my plans to buy them dinner by sneaking off and paying the tab. We got along wonderfully and the conversation was terrific, with many broad grins of "OMG we're actually meeting!" exchanged.

It was really wonderful to meet his wife. They're a perfect couple. You could just tell how good they were for each other. That always makes me happy. They both immediately loved Seattle (which just made me love them more) and I know they're going to have a great time here this week.

I feel all kinds of profoundness trying to seep its way out, but I'll resist. It's just amazing the friendships I've made across this here internet thing.

Comments

LJers IRL.

[jdquintette.livejournal.com]

I've had this experience quite a few times now, and it's weird. Not bad weird. But strange. You know a great deal about someone you're meeting for the first time. It's kind of bass-ackwards.

Re: LJers IRL.

[verbicide.livejournal.com]

Couldn't agree more :)

[ccm321.livejournal.com]

It really was a great night and equally strange at the same time. Could you tell that deep inside I was afraid something might be said between us that would put the wifey is a tizzy and leave me sleeping on the hotel room floor? Well, if not, that may explain my less-than-normal flirtifullness.
You really wrote the experience well. I know we’ve known each other for so long but the fact that we had just met did throw off the gyroscopic auto-pilot in my brain that allows me to function normally in society. No, it was hands on the wheels at all times. Still, it was the smoothest night flight of a night on the town that I have had in years, old friend. By the time we landed, I felt like I had earned my wings.
Cat, next time you are flying over the mid-west… drop in!!!

[verbicide.livejournal.com]

Come to think of it, your sauciness was subdued, but I don't have a word of complaint for that night (or for any moment we've enjoyed in the past ten years).

Can't wait for the next meeting!!

Give your lady-fair a hug from me :)