out of the basement

It’s always scary meeting online friends. A year or so ago, I remember being mildly surprised that Tommy and Brett were not the types who lived in their parents’ basements. Not really, anyway.

Of course, the rest of the Sticks crew made me realize that the Internet appeals to more than the just the people who send anonymous hate mail. And a few of you have made the meeting process even more than extremely enjoyable. Still. The idea is sometimes frightening.

I’m not alone. Others have expressed the same trepidation with me.

  • “Are you normal?”
  • “Is your hair really that big?”
  • “Own all your own teeth?”

No worries, folks. I know how to clean up, make eye contact and laugh appropriately at all the right moments. I’m a godd*mn delight.

And so it was that Husband and I went out last night with another transplanted Tampa-to-Colorado couple: Chase Squires and his lovely wife Saralee.

I used to read Chase’s work regularly in The St. Petersburg Times. So sad when he left the bay area last year. Yet he somehow caught wind of my site and realized we were both moving to the same state. An online best buddy was born. It’s about time we made each other’s acquaintance in person.

We had a fun double date. Chase showed off Denver with all the pride of someone who’s been here for years instead of months. He and Saralee had better luck selling their home back in Z-hills and offered up several ideas, imploring us to “get out of Florida once and for all.”

While Chase bought round after round, and even our dinner, we talked about everything: trail running, politics, vasectomies, plastic surgery, tattoos, and tennis. My head is so much bigger than his – but he was polite enough not to notice.

This is the beginning of a wacky, western friendship.

*Cross-posted to Out in Left Field.

7 comments - add to the conversation! → “out of the basement”


  1. Rachel*

    3 years ago

    That’s so cute. So you don’t actually live in Florida anymore?


  2. kate

    3 years ago

    We’re in Colorado for winter break. My children and I will be back in Florida next week. Someone – buy our house!

    BTW – it’s freezing here and another storm is hitting The Springs right now. I have no thermal underwear and we’re all out of whiskey.

    Wish us luck…


  3. Sandy

    3 years ago

    Rent me your house!


  4. Jason

    3 years ago

    LOL, listen to her Kate. Think “lease option”.


  5. kate

    3 years ago

    My house is for rent or for sale. Please! Make me an offer.


  6. Dawn

    3 years ago

    I’m an experienced housesitter with a long list of references. (I also enjoy not paying rent, but feel it’s time to move out of my parents’ house.)


  7. Sandy

    3 years ago

    Dawn! Wrestle you for it!


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