50 Days to 50 Years: Day 30, Evo and Captain Fantastic with Christy Bell
“Since there is nothing so well worth having as friends, never lose a chance to make them.” — Francesco Guicciardini
I cannot believe I am already 30 days away from the official Big 5-0. What a delightful time it has been to pursue, as Steely Dan so eloquently put it, "Reelin' in the Years". And what is it with Captains? It seems to be a trend in this 50-year challenge, at least when it comes to movies. From "Captain America" with longtime friend Sarah Beach, to "Captain Fantastic" with new friend Christy Bell. While I didn't enjoy "Captain Fantastic" as much as "Captain America: Civil War", the company and the food was just as rich. I met Christy through a mutual friend Cheryl Leutjen. Cheryl ran a networking Meetup for Work at Homers, and also participated in my Tuesdays with Transitioners Meetup. She knew Christy was in transition, and recommended Christy check out my group. Christy did, and she was a wonderful addition. When she was able to attend, she brought great insight and her wicked smarts to every discussion. Between Cheryl's Meetups and mine, Christy and I struck up a friendship, and even though both Meetups are now dissolved, we still stay in touch. A couple of years ago Lynn and I spent Christmas Day with her, catching two movies in the theater, and having Dim Sum and Chinese after. It was among one of the best Christmases we have spent. Christy is erudite and a great conversationalist, but she is also a keen listener. I also love her smile and her laugh, and the glint of mischief in her eyes. I suspect had we met in our 20s or 30s, when we were both less "tempered", we would have gotten into a good deal of trouble. Heck, we may have a chance to do that in our 50s, given the right timing and circumstance! So when I invited her to be a part of the 50 Days to 50 Years challenge, she was delighted to carve out the time. Among Christy's many talents as a writer, chef, and organizational whiz, she is an actress and a member of SAG-Aftra. So free screenings at the DGA are a part of her membership. She also treated me to pizza, either before or after, at a little WeHo bistro called Evo. Christy is a vegetarian, so we ordered a Artichoke-Spinach-Parmesan pizza on a Whole Grain Crust to share. It was extremely tasty, and the sauce was sublime! Christy had an Amber Ale, which looked great and refreshing, but not really my cup of tea, or, er, alcohol. [gallery ids="2745,2744" type="rectangular"] Christy paid me a very high compliment: she said that I was really gifted at the career-reinvention stuff and I should find a way to start it up again at my new church. We talked a bit about that, the workshop I recently conducted at Elizabeth House, and what was going on in our current jobs, career searches, and housing situations. Then we stepped across the street to the DGA to bask in the cinematic wonder of Viggo Mortensen. He really is an incredible actor, and made this film about extremes, consequences, and choices watchable. After the screening, we repaired to The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to discuss what we liked and didn't like about the film, and I capped off our glorious meal with a Salted Pistachio Ice Blended, something I hadn't partook of in a long time. It was quite refreshing, but not as refreshing as the kindness, generosity, and support of Ms. Christy Bell.