A Best Friend

I don't think people really know what a best friend is. Some people throw this term around too loosely; others claim never to have had one. I consider myself beyond fortunate to have the BEST best friend. Sometimes I feel a little junior high-ish describing her as such, but there's really no other way to put it. She's not just a friend, or even a good friend. Saying "the sister God didn't give me" might be a little closer to the mark, but even that doesn't cover it.

My best friend knows me better than I know myself sometimes...well, more often than sometimes. I tell her everything - my deepest fears, my silliest worries, my smallest victories, my most random observations - and even the things I really hate to admit. I know I can tell her these things because a best friend doesn't judge. Ever. A best friend accepts you for who you are. NO. MATTER. WHAT. And if they can't? Well, then that person wasn't really your best friend to begin with.

My best friend knows when and how to push me to be better than I am. I think back to teammates on two Biggest Loser teams that claimed to be best friends on a recent season. On both teams, one "best friend" let the other down. That's not what best friends do. I would rather die than let my best friend down.

A best friend shuttles your family members back and forth to the hospital when one of your loved ones is seriously ill. A best friend puts your cat's ashes in an urn when you can't bear to do it yourself. A best friend stays in the hospital with you overnight when the delivery of your child isn't going smoothly. A best friend drives four hours to tell you in person that your boyfriend asked her to sleep with him. (Note: a best friend does NOT sleep with your boyfriend and then take you on Jerry Springer to tell you about it.) A best friend burps your baby even if babies scare the crap out of her. A best friend volunteers to learn how to change diapers so you can get some sleep even if she's vowed to go to her grave without ever having changed one. And a best friend, knowing what it took for you to offer, says that's OK, you don't have to.

These are all things that my best friend and I have done for each other. I thank God every single day for my best friend. I don't know what I'd do without her.

Thanks for everything Chris!

Five Random Things I Don't Understand

I just don't understand...

-Whose idea was it to have companies send out these privacy notices every year? I don't disagree that they should have them, but I'm sure the extra mailing costs get passed back to the consumer. Does anybody even read those things?

-Why are insurance companies allowed to increase your rates after just one or two accidents? Isn't that what we pay them for?

-If I pay to have cable, why do cable channels think I should watch paid programming?

-What's up with these commercials that show a doctor sitting at his/her desk, talking with a fully dressed patient who is sitting in a regular chair? When do you ever get to talk to your doctor while wearing anything but a scratchy paper gown or sitting on anything but the exam table?

-When I buy calcium supplements at the grocery store, why does the automatic coupon machine think I'm old enough to join AARP?

Playing Games

I love to play cards and board games. My parents and I get together once a week for dinner and games, but today I got to experience a big family game day. There's nothing quite like a few hours spent with people that are as comfortable to be around as a cozy blanket, where no one stands on ceremony, the table's not quite big enough and there's plenty of laughter.

Thanks for including me Brennans:-)

Thoughts on Love and Dating

In honor of Valentine's Day, I've decided to write about my thoughts on love and dating.

I never have had a good dating/romantic relationship experience.

I have heard far more dating and marriage horror stories than I have good ones.

I have heard of men who subscribe to the "100 mile rule," meaning that if you are 100 miles or more away from your significant other, it's not cheating.

I have heard of far too many men being unfaithful to their wives and girlfriends.

I have listened to too many men over the age of 30 express unbelievably immature attitudes about dating. Oh, excuse me, I should have said "hanging out."

For the past few years, I've spent some time thinking about whether or not I even want to be in the dating pool. I've even tried online dating...blech.

As of this Valentine's Day, I've decided a few things:
1. I am going to stop being bitter about my unfortunate dating luck.
2. I am going to express unreserved joy for those who have found true dating or married bliss.
3. I am officially declaring myself out of the dating pool. For me, the potential benefits just don't outweigh the potential risks.

And so, with a true heart, I wish you a Happy Valentine's Day. Share it with those you love. For me, that's going to be my parents, and I'm going to enjoy my time with them.

Five Random Things That Annoy Me

Tailgating (driving, not partying)

Poorly crafted e-mail marketing (worst culprits I've seen: Colorful Images, The Popcorn Factory, Staples)

Forwarded e-mails that threaten bad luck if not forwarded again

People who contact me only when they want free tickets

Reading the word "over" when the words "more than" should have been used

What annoys you?

They've Got Personality

The other day, when I was playing with one of my cats, I started thinking about how amazing animals are. Each one that I've known well has had his or her own unique personality. I just don't get people that don't like animals. What's not to like about a fuzzy, cuddly package that brings joy and unconditional love to your life? That far outweighs pet hair, vet bills, and the occasional mess. In tribute to the animals I've known and loved, here's a quick summary of their personalities:

The Protector - Lady was part of my family before I was born. When I arrived, she became my playmate and protector. This is my favorite item in my baby book, and it pretty much sums up how I learned to think of animals...as part of the family.


The Diva - After Lady passed away, I just couldn't imagine having another dog. My parents and I visited a local shelter and picked out a beautiful brown and white cat. She rubbed against us and let us hold her while we were there. Once we got her home, however, Chablis wanted nothing to do with holding or petting. She did love for me to put jewelry on her though!

The Prince - My dear, sweet Marty, also rescued from a shelter, was with me for 16 years. He remains, in my opinion, the best cat ever. So loving, Marty purred like a champ all the time. Despite his many healthy problems, he was an angel. He also was beyond spoiled. Everyone catered to Marty. I remember arriving at the vet's office one time, and overheard the vet say to his assistant, "Could you finish this for me? I don't want to keep Marty waiting." My handsome boy passed away two years ago and I still miss him every day.


The Baby Carrier - While roommates in Cincinnati, my best friend and I were given a dog for whom our neighbor could no longer care. Sota and Marty became best friends, and it was at this time that we discovered my best friend's unusual connection to springer spaniels. Sota loved to carry stuffed toys around in her mouth, and was rarely seen without one. We called them her "babies." She also loved to hold hands, which I have never known another dog to do.


The Dancing Licker - Cordelia, or Cordi, is a little dog with a HUGE personality. She loves everybody and will smother you with kisses if you let her. Part poodle, Cordi loves to show off her dancing skills and chase balls.

The Obsessed - I have never seen a dog so obsessed with his mommy (owner) as my best friend's springer spaniel is. Darth gets a worried look on his face if she even leaves the room! I suspect that Darth may have forgotten to grow up, because he still acts like a puppy. If I am standing, Darth will jump up and put his arms around mine so I will scratch his chest. In addition to his mommy, Darth is obsessed with bubbles and shadows. He's a bit of a scaredy-dog too, but we still love him!


The Grump - Leia is a grumpy but lovable basset hound. This girl needs her sleep, so don't keep her awake! She believes that humans belong on the floor while she sits on the furniture. In her mind, she's #2 in the house, second only to my best friend while out-ranking my best friend's husband, son and Darth. Bossy but beautiful, that's Leia.


The Energizer Doggie - Bailey belongs to my friend and her family. In all the time I have known this dog, I have never seen her sleep and even lie down for more than a few minutes. I don't know where she gets her energy from, but I wish I could borrow some! She plays hard, but eats like a lady. She will refuse all but the smallest pieces of food. When she's excited (which is most of the time), she sounds like a leaking balloon.


The Gentle Environmentalist - As I mentioned in a previous post, Captain Jack Sparrow (Jack) is an environmentalist, re-purposing garbage into toys rather than play with store-bought ones. He's the most gentle cat I've known, meowing so quietly that I can barely hear him and reaching toward me slowly and softly with his paws when he wants attention. He does like to push things onto the floor though. Jack was also rescued from a shelter.



Dr. Jeckyl/Ms. Hyde - One minute, Snickers is cuddled up on my lap and purring. The next, she's trying to chew my hand off. I can't blame her though. She was homeless on the street and started coming around a friend's house. When the weather got cold, I took her in. I have no idea what her life was like before I got her, but her behavior has improved in the year I've had her. I'm not sure Jack would agree with me though! She just took a toy away from him.


My life would be so boring without all of these characters.

Stuff That Makes My Life Easier

These are a few of the products that make my life easier:

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Nothing works better at taking dirt off walls

Garnier Fructis Ultra Strong Hairspray
This hairspray works great, better than expensive salon brands, but do not be fooled by the Garnier hairsprays in the darker green cans with black lids. These do not work any better than spraying compressed air at your head!

Yesterday's News Cat Litter
No dust, absorbs oders, doesn't have an oder of it's own, and it's recycled!

Johnny Cat Litter Box Liners
The only ones cats with claws don't rip right through

Aveeno Body Wash
I used to suffer from very dry winter skin because I'm not good at using lotion regularly. With Aveeno body wash, my skin stays in good shape all winter, even though I don't use lotion.

Eucerin Aquaphor Healing Ointment
One use heals chapped lips or really dry hands. Works on rough heels too.

Cover Girl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner
The only eyeliner I've ever liked

Bird's Eye Steamfresh Singles
Less than two minutes in the microwave, and you've got a serving of veggies. Perfect for busy singles.





FTC Disclosure - These product recommendations were not solicited.

My Cat Is Green

My cat, Jack, has turned garbage into toys - the envelopes that tea bags come in, the rings from milk jugs and straws. My furry little environmentalist;-)

I Finally Understand

For many years, my dad refused to vote in presidential elections. He had voted for Richard Nixon and was appalled that he could have been duped so badly by a politician. He questioned his own judgment.

I now understand how he felt.

I was rooting for John Edwards to win the 2008 election. That thought is almost physically sickening to me now. The idea that someone as conniving, ruthless and just plain slimy could be the leader of our country is the single most frightening idea I have ever come across.

The sad part is - they are probably people just as conniving, ruthless and slimy, if not more so, in office already.

What is it about politics? Does it bring out the worst in people? Or are the worst people running for office?

The Big Bang Theory Cracks Me Up

(Note: I am talking about the television show, not the actual big bang theory. Got it? K.)

For those of you who haven't watched, The Big Bang Theory is a sitcom about three lovable nerds and one kinda lovable nerd who work together at a university. Two of them are roommates and live across the hall from the totally not nerdy Penny.

BBT cracks me up because I am, albeit to a much lesser extreme, Sheldon Cooper.

I'm a bit of a nerd (he's full on).

I'm particular about certain things and sometimes have weird reasons for them. (See Sheldon's explanation about where he sits)

I've been told that people enjoy how I react to gifts. (See Sheldon's reaction to Penny's Christmas gift)

Like Sheldon, I sometimes don't get come-ons from the opposite sex.

I hold grudges against celebrities (Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, etc.) Sheldon's grudge is against Wil Wheaton.

Beyond my similarities to Sheldon, the show is wittily written and all of the characters make me laugh.

{And no, no one paid me to write this post;-)}