Julie at RevGalBlogPals invites us to recall some firsts:

1. Can you remember the first time you travelled a long way to meet someone special?
2. Share a memory of a first visit to a new country, state or place that was unexpected or unusual.
3. What is the first thing you do on waking each day? Is it always the same?
4. Have you met up with other RevGals? Maybe at an event?
5. Is this your first Friday Five? If not, can you remember the first time you played?

First time I travelled a long way to meet someone special: when I went to my friend Susan Harvey Reeves’ wedding in Albany, California (East Bay). It’s something that might only happen in a technological age, as we had never met in person. She was a buyer for a huge corporation,  I was the secretary for a business forms sales manager. We met over the phone, discussing invoice forms and business cards, and eventually Life, the Universe, and Everything. When I moved to Texas we kept in touch, and when she became engaged to her wonderful Douglass, I flew in for the wedding. Susan has a large, noisy, warm family. Seriously, they are all tall, intelligent, talkative, and her mother met me at the door in a big, enveloping hug. This trip also provided my first visit to San Francisco’s Flower Mart which is like a huge Farmer’s Market filled with flowers. It was awesome.

First visit to another country, state or place that was unexpected or unusual: Going to another country I’ve expected the unexpected so for me, it’s been most unexpected discovering the significant regional differences within my own country. When I moved to Texas, I expected that since I was simply moving from one part of my country to another, everything would be the same. I was proved deeply, profoundly wrong, and this was an excellent lesson on the danger of expectations. They can blind or disappoint one, make it harder to see the beauty in differences.

First thing I do on waking each day? Is it always the same? Why, yes it is. Give thanks for the knee and back pain letting me know I’m still alive while waiting impatiently for the Keurig to deliver the magic brown elixir.

Have I met up with any of the RevGals? I am blessed to know both Amy Haynie and Mary Beth Butler.

Is this your first Friday Five? Can you remember the first time you played? No to the first,  and I think my first spin was on the subject of Joy. I enjoy the discipline of a writing prompt and the unexpected places they take me.

Thanks, Julie, for this one! Looking forward to the next.