Vol. 8, No. 4 | Mountains and Highballs

Hey Ya’ll!

Today is my 40th birthday. I’ve spent the past two days in the mountains in Jamaica unplugged. Two days have felt like three days. I can’t remember the last time the days felt longer. Even though I’ve been mostly still and quiet, the days were full.

When I woke up this morning, I realized that in addition to swaying peacefully in a hammock, how I wanted to start this birthday, this decade was by writing this newsletter. I planned on doing it on Friday, but the day tumbled away from me which has been the norm.

Sitting quietly for a few days reminded me of the things that I actually care about….amongst other things, this newsletter popped into my very clear, empty mind.

Here’s what else has been on my mind:

• I find humor in watching people receive drinks that they didn’t know that they ordered. Not that they didn’t place the order, but they didn’t realize what they would receive. It’s not because I like laughing at people. It’s because this is my usual level of awkward and it tickles me to see how it actually plays out. I was sitting at a bar and this guy got his drink and said, “Wait, that’s mine?” The bartender responded, “The whiskey highball? Yup.” I’m not sure what he thought a whiskey highball was, but it wasn’t that. He quickly switched to an old fashioned.

• I don’t blame him. I don’t like long drinks. I always say this to people then order something like a paloma which proves me to be a liar. But it’s not my fault. Palomas are delicious. Things like a whiskey highball feel like entirely too much work though. It takes me so long to drink them.

• I was going to write that that I simply don’t like drinks with soda water. But that’s also a lie because I love vermouth + soda. It’s trending everywhere else and I’m working on making it a thing in Atlanta.

• I think the whiskey highball orderer was on a date. Not quite blind, but definitely new. The woman seemed so interesting. I had to stop myself several times from interjecting into their conversation to talk to her. I meet a lot of interesting women at bars. By contrast, I don’t meet that many interesting men. Maybe it’s because I’m in a relationship and I’m not looking. However, I find it curious. It makes me sympathize with my single girlfriends. While I know where to get some of the best food and cocktails, I don’t know where to find single men. Or at least not single men that like great food and cocktails.

• It’s possible to still meet people out though. I met my boyfriend at the James Room. I can’t remember what he ordered to drink, but he’s pretty great.

• He practically died when I told him that none of our accommodations this trip had a TV. However, he’s survived the past few days and made a solid attempt at the foreign concept of unplugging.

• He’s also waiting patiently to eat as I write this, so I’m off, but I’m leaving you wiht a highball recipe in case you ever see it on a menu or want to make one at home.

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Whiskey Highball

2 oz good* whiskey
4 oz good* club soda

1. Add good ice* to a highball glass.

2. Pour in whiskey.

3. Top with club soda and stir gently and slowly.

* Like all things that are simple. The secret lies in the quality of the ingredients.

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Hope you’re all well!

Shannon