The beauty of friendship.

Since I have quite a bit of free time lately, and she had a snow day from student teaching, one my best friends, Kristen Methvin and I decided to do a little shopping. Shopping was uneventful...frustrating as I quickly realized it's been too long since I went shopping, and I no longer recognize the "in" style. But I digress...

The important part of this story happens after shopping. Only Kristen and I can get into the most awkward situations that no one else thinks are awkward. Only we could have the most hilarious moments that no one else thinks are funny. Some of you, actually most of you, will read what I'm about to write and think, "That's not that bad..." but for us...it made the night.

Since we hadn't yet eaten dinner after shopping, didn't want to eat in the mall, and Kristen has a new iPhone with a handy-dandy Urbanspoon application, we decided to venture out to a previously undiscovered (by us) restaurant. We decided on Italian food, Kristen hit scramble (or whatever it's called in the application), and Naples Italian Restaurant popped up. We were off!

First and foremost, Google Maps is never as good as you think it is...especially as a GPS when driving. So, of course we got slightly lost for a few minutes. From West Town Mall it's 3.1 miles to Naples Italian Restaurant (yes, I just used Google Maps to figure that out, so it could possibly be a little off), so how did we get lost, you ask? Only us.

Back on track and still craving bread and Diet Coke, we continued on our way. After attempting to figure out how to park at Naples (there seems to be a small parking lot from what we could tell), I backed out of a not-so-inviting alleyway and parked in front of the furniture store next to the restaurant.

Before I continue, here's the review Kristen saw on Urbanspoon for Naples Italian Restaurant:

"Tantalizing daily specials--like lobster ravioli--from this Knoxville classic frequently voted Best Italian and Best Romantic Restaurant in Metro Pulse's Best of Knoxville reader's poll. Full bar. No checks."

(Metro Pulse Knoxville)

Yes, Kristen led me to the most romantic restaurant in Knoxville...I'm pretty sure she forgot to mention this part of the Urbanspoon review until we got there because we were both thoroughly surprised to be asked if we had reservations and equally sheepish when we replied no. There were tables available, however, so we were promptly seated.

As we perused the menu through dim mood lighting and ordered our slightly small glasses of Diet Coke, the first of the fur coats passed by. Now, I'm not an animal rights activist, but fur coats aren't exactly my style, and I don't think I've ever seen that many in one restaurant at the same time. Fox, mink, some blackish-brown animal...you name it, it was there.

The loaves of complimentary bread kept coming as we attempted to figure out if our slightly small glasses of Diet Coke that cost exactly $2.19, according to the menu, were eligible for free refills. When our meal arrived, the fits of giggles subsided, and Kristen volunteered to say our evening meal prayer.

As we bowed our heads to pray, the waiter decided it would be a perfect time to refill our water glasses. I heard the clink of ice in the glass and Kristen stopped speaking, so I glanced up thinking, "Oh, we'll just wait until he's done and then we'll finish the prayer." When I looked up, Kristen still had her head bowed, was trying desperately not to laugh, and I was left looking awkwardly at the waiter as he refilled our glasses. I quickly ducked my head back down over my plate and listened to him finish filling the glasses, as Kristen waited to continue praying. The giggles returned as soon as the prayer ended.

Okay, so like I said, to most of you reading, this situation probably isn't funny in the slightest.

The beauty of friendship is that it doesn't matter whether or not anyone else gets your jokes, feels your pain, or understands your quirks. Awkward moments are the spice of life, and having a good friend there to share them with you, only makes the lasagna taste better.

"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked."

(Bernard Meltzer-- American Radio Host)

Love and peace,

Amelia

P.S. In two days I turn 24...bring it on. :-)