Day 3: Grey's Night

Yes, yes...I know. I started the 30 Day Challenge only a few days ago and I have already missed a day. BUT, in my defense, it was for a very good reason. We spent the weekend with my family in Monterey, celebrating my oldest nephew's 4th birthday! I haven't gotten to spend a birthday with him yet, so it was pretty special for me to be there (with Clint, too!). Also, Monterey is a kick in the pants, and I highly recommend visiting if you get the opportunity! We had a WONDERFUL weekend!

But it's back to business.

My favorite television program. Sigh. We've already been over how I don't have any sort of television programming right now so I won't get into that rant. You're spared this time. And since the topic doesn't really specify if this is supposed to be on my favorite show of all time, or currently, or whatever, I'm going to cover my current favorite show.

And that, my friends, is Grey's Anatomy. Oh yes, I'm THAT girl. And instead of telling you what the show is about (because honestly, you can just go rent it or catch a re-run), I'm going to tell you about Grey's Night, because that is what Grey's Anatomy is all about to me. In case you aren't enlightened on what exactly a "Grey's Night" is, I shall explain shortly.

Backstory: I started watching Grey's Anatomy when I lived in Berkeley in 2006, with my roommate Evelynn. We had somehow missed the bandwagon and caught a random catch-up episode prior to the season premiere that year. We were hooked in about 55 seconds. And I'm really not exaggerating. My friend Taylor got me Seasons 1 and 2 for my birthday that year and it pretty much dominated my life (that, and homework) for the next month or so. By then, I was a totally faithful fan.

And then I moved back to Tennessee and met Bianca. Bianca and I worked in the drive thru at Bank of America together, and that is where we bonded over our love for shopping...and McDreamy. We got our friend Jessica hooked on the show, and then Allison joined the picture with her fabulous Christmas Punch and bam! Grey's Night was born.

Well...not exactly born. More like, the seed was planted. We realized we spent most of our Thursday evenings texting each other about whatever crazy mess was happening in each episode, and we should just start watching them together. Combine that with a Super Secret Christmas Party and THAT is when Grey's Night was born. We rotated houses week to week for dinner and gossip hour, and the glorious beverage of Woodchuck was usually present in large quantities. This was also in the days before we all had DVR, so we had a no-talking-except-for-on-commercials rule...and it was strictly enforced.

I miss it. Tremendously. We held that ritual for 2 straight years, losing only one of the original McLovelies and adding some new gals, too. The girls still hold Grey's Night, but they have moved it to Mondays to ensure that they can all make it. With new babies and different schedules, it can be tough to make it happen. But I like that the legacy still lives on. And I like that on Monday evenings, I can imagine exactly what is happening back in Tennessee. I know the parts that will make them laugh until they cry, I know the parts that will cause them to pause the tv for further conversation, and I know what they will have for dinner at each other's homes.

And that makes me smile.