Sep 17, 2006

A "Mate" Moment (ok and that would be pronounced "ma-tay")




Our friends, Mariano and Becky came over this weekend. We had a blast, drinking coffee and mate. (and again for those of you that did not read my subject line. That is pronounced "ma-tay".) "Mate" is a tea that they drink in South America. Mariano is from Argentina and so he introduced us to the whole mate experience. I have to admit that while I was drinking through the straw and passing it to the next person, I felt like we were doing something illegal. But rest assure, it is legal, it is tea and actually...it is good! Mariano said that when they all gather together in Argentina, they would just pass this cup around and people will take turns sipping it. So, that's exactly what we did. After about the 4th time around, Beck and I returned to our coffees while Joel and Mariano continued on. Joel went nutty with the whole mate experience. I mean, don't get me wrong, it was good and all, but to Joel "mate" is his new best friend. He absolutely LOVED it...like weirdly loved it. We'd be in the middle of a conversation and he was sitting in his chair, sipping every last droplet and suddenly, he would burst out and say, "OH MAN! I just love this stuff!" We would slowly look his way and smile and continue on our conversation for another minute before he'd burst out, "AWW MAN! THIS STUFF IS AWESOME!" Again, he got the pleaseant smile, as if to say, "We're glad you're enjoying it, now calm down."

So, after about the 20th time of this, we were like, "ALRIGHT ALREADY! WE KNOW, YOU LOVE IT!!" Because of this new found love, Joel wanted to know if they sold it here in the United States because he wanted to go out and immediately buy his own mate. Well, he didn't have to go far cuz Beck and Mar presented him with one of his own today. I think that is truly the best gift he has ever received! I swear he is sleeping with his sippy cup right now! So, thank you to Beck and Mar. Until our next "mate moment"...

14 comments:

DeAnna said...

I like how you said Joel wanted to go out and buy hiw own mate.... :) I have to say that in the first picture it looks gross though. I guess the last picture of Joel guzzling down is kind of a Christian's non alcoholic version of a kegger. :)

Becky said...

lol...I know that is why I should have spelled it, "Ma-tay". And don't let Joel hear you say that it looks gross, it would be as if you stabbed him the heart. He's a little protective about his "ma-tay". :o)

Kris said...

Your friends? YOUR FRIENDS?! Oh, I guess I move to South Carolina and suddenly my kid sister tries to steal my best friend. Yeah, well, just don't forget that I was drining yerba mate with Burge while you were still in high school.
Seriously, LOLed at your description of Joel and the mate. So very very funny. I suppose what makes me laugh so hard is the thought of our laid back, Mr. My Feathers Never Get Ruffled Joel Browning getting so excited about tea.

The Protos said...

I like the pictures and I'm really FELIZ (GLAD) with Joel's friendship, He has been a Blessing to me and also an example as a Husband and Father to his family.
I'm happy to provide THE MATE for you, ENJOY!!!!!....

VIVA THE FELLOWSHIP WITH MATE!
Act 2:46
PS: Kristy, remember my wife has been friends with you since 9th grade.

In christ's Love
Mariano

Kris said...

Maaaaar!!!!!!!!!!
Hey, all right here's the truth: really, I was feeling just a little bit jealous because I couldn't be there with you all drinking Mate and playing Operation. Beck and Joel told me they had such a good time with you guys. Of course, that came as no surprise to me. There are always lots of laughs and uplifting conversation with you two around. I'm so disappointed that it's not going to work out for Thanksgiving. Let's try to figure out another time!

Oh, and please remind Beck that according to my calculations, we've actually only been friends since the 10th grade.

Becky said...

Hey Mar, Welcome to our blog! I thought about posting the pictures of each of our faces when we took a sip of the mate but then I decided that I wanted to keep your friendship. (actually, I think mine is the most embarrassing! :o) I took a trip over to your blog and left you a message, actually I left you two because I hit the button twice. I guess I was just overly excicted about being on your blog. :o)

And now to my sister, what is up with the whole "I've known Burge the longest" business?!! HELLO!!! It's not like I wasn't born then! So, I've known her just as long. Just because I didn't give a hoot what you two gigglers were up to doesn't mean that my friendship years don't count. I even let Burge sleep with my cat, Molly once or maybe twice...now if that's not the truest form of ultimate friendship, I don't know what is! Burge, why don't you come on and settle this for us.....who do you like better me or my sister? We will be hitting the refresh button until you return with an answer.

Becky said...

Burge? The whole blogging world awaits your answer.

Kris said...

Yeah, Burge, we're waiting. And don't forget. . . if you choose Beck, you have many sleepovers with kitty cats to look forward to!!!

Kris said...

Yeah, Burge, we're waiting. And don't forget. . . if you choose Beck, you have many sleepovers with kitty cats to look forward to!!!

The Protos said...

Well, if this doesn't just put me on the spot like a son of a gun.
OK, let me put this in terms you girls might understand... hahhh, hemmm (that is me clearing my throat).

You know how you both have 3 sisters?? Each sister is so different and yet there are similarities as well. You love all 3 equally and yet you love them all in different ways. OK, I have absolutely no idea what I am trying to make clear. So, let me just say--I love the guts outta both of you.

DeAnna said...

I feel so left out - I don't get to join in on the fight for a friend. :(

Becky said...

lol...safe answer. You get to keep both of us for a friend.

DeAnna, you already got me, so quit your complaining. You don't need any more friends.

Kris said...

Oh, wow, excuse my previous stuttering problem. It's my first double hit on the comment section and boy am I embarrassed! And before you go thinking "What kind of over eager freako hits her login and publish button twice?", well, you just wait because it WILL happen to you.
Burge, it's ok, I can read between the lines. Say no more. I'm reading ya loud and clear ;): tcoenisf (try to decifer that one). Hint: The c of e nine is s fine.

Becky said...

Dog-gone-it! I've wasted so much time sitting here trying to figure that out!