how much did that cost?

i love hanging out with people. the company in itself is great, i am content to sit on the floor of someone's apartment or house and talk. no money used, and the time couldn't have been spent better. it's also fun to catch a movie, sip on a cup of coffee or grab brunch on a sleepy saturday afternoon, (like this past Saturday at Petite Abeille on 20th Street and 1st Ave with Jess - such delicious blueberry pancakes!). it hurts the wallet a little more; those long overdue catch ups can pile up fast. but during those times, it is so easy to brighten up someone's day, too. with the simple, "no, i got it." lately i've been doing that more. it's maybe an extra however many dollars, but i will assume that it brightened up that person's day, and that is worth more to me than the cost. especially when people do that for me all the time.

i went out with a friend in south williamsburg a couple weekends ago. he was just talking about how he had no job and was being frugal, but when we ordered our canned wheat beer, he insisted on getting it for me. it was so kind. it didn't cost much and i would have happily gotten it on my own, but the the gesture was so thoughtful.

this past weekend, i was in a cab with the usual group and my one friend asked if the cabbie had a glass of water. it was funny the way she asked. it was funnier that the driver told me, sitting in the navigator seat, to grab a bottle from the side door. she happily took the bottle and sipped her water. when i asked how much it was, he said not to worry about it. small gesture, but also grand.

and today, my parents came into the city to hang out in chinatown. i went to meet them after work and we were able to enjoy some food and conversation. my mom always insists on refilling my fridge; i don't think i would be as healthy without her (just kidding). the bag of vegetables, fruits and vermicelli didn't cost much, but knowing that she would take the time out of her day to buy me groceries and ensure i was eating enough means a lot... that even though i'm supposed to be independent, there is someone out there who is thinking of me and making sure i'm doing well.