The Happy Hour Crew...

From Left to Right (top row) Leonard, Eric, Judy, Kim, Brian (bottom row) Sarah, Me, Julie.

So this is the happy hour crew. Some how, the lot of us from work started going out drinking for "Happy Hour" over 2 years ago,(often times at Brothers in the Arena district.) We've been inseparable since! Any social gathering outside of office hours normally consists of the people shown above (less one or two at times.) This night, Friday the 9th, we all were in attendance for the first time in a long time. (These are the folks I mentioned in my post from the beginning of March.)

Unlikely group of folks, one might think... A little over 20 years of an age difference between the youngest and the oldest of us...and all from different backgrounds. But, the honesty, sincerety and humor shared between this group is unmatched and much needed in the days in which we live. So, let me introduce you to those I can truly call my friends...

Leonard: The youngest member of our crew... Italian, ex-Marine, Indians fan, bookworm/walking encyclopedia, debator, big competitor (especially when playing pool,) somewhat vain...gym rat, thoughtful, and a comedian of sorts. Shortly after our happy hour outings began we started dating. So to that I can add, sexy, more romantic than most would think...and the best thing that has ever happened to me. :) Favorite Drink: Jack & Coke (Dr. Pepper)

(Orignially, we both were/are members of the "Fantastic Four, (FF)" who frequented Applebee's happy hour on Friday nights and later various clubs...before we stumbled across our other companions. The FF also includes Brian and Sarah.)

Eric: The oldest male in our group... Patriots fan, intelligent, considerate, can put more beers away than any of us (despite his slim physique,) subtle flirt, involved in his children's sporting activities, a fisherman (still have yet to go with him,) and all-around good guy. Favorite Drink: (I've only ever seen him drink beer...) Miller Lite/Bud Light

Judy: I believe to be the eldest of us all but does not look it... Michigan Football Fan, Ex-Soldier (Army,) kind-hearted, animal activist/rescuer...DOG LOVER, Watches the Dog Whisperer, motherly, loves good mexican food, vegetarian, helpful & caring, rarely drinks, Favorite Drink: Frozen Strawbery Margarita

Kim: Mother of 23 year-old but one would think they were sisters, Starbucks Addict, can be seen frequenting E-bay and Blogger (ArtDogsLife), QVC & Dog Whisper watcher, Dog lover, sweet, creative (makes really cool art), free-sprited, generous, generaly happy, often says shocking and hilarious things, and probably the most "tell it like it is" people you will ever meet. Real. Favorite Drink: A good, (well-spiced) Bloody Mary

Brian: Father of a 6 year old who shares my birth date, one of the founding members of the FF, the rest would say he is a "tight ass" but he really isn't as cheap as people think...just frugal, self-conscious at times, great sense of humor, into reality TV (especially the Bachelor and Average Joe), and also my landlord :) Favorite Drink: Beer Drinker... Miller Lite.

Sarah: I've worked with Sarah for nearly 10 years now. We were the youngest folks working here...and I needed a friend, also one of the founding members of the FF, single...but presently not loving it, can be a bitch when she wants to be, good confidant, ol' school partier, Survivor Fan, loves to dance...and good hip-hop music, great smile... Favorite Drink: Long Island Ice Tea

Me: I talk about myself enough... Favorite Drink: Jack & Coke (Dr. Pepper), but I'm also a fan of Margaritas

Julie: One of the few "long timers" at the office, nice, athletic [great softball player,] mountain biker, football fan, just like Leonard w/ knowing useless/useful facts, very generous, funny...love her laugh, probably the most "sober" drunk of all us drinkers, responsible, dependable, successful, and joins the others as a Dog Lover Favorite Drink: I usually see her drinking Bud Light...but she's good at mixing up some fruity things I'm sure she drinks!

So, with all these great characteristics in one room... How can there ever be a dull moment??? Most of the best times of my adult life is spent hanging out with this crew.