Five Random Things That Make Me Happy

- Looking at the stars

- Being appreciated

- The fact that someone finally likes my singing (I don't care if he's only 9 months old; it still counts!)

- Earning the trust of an animal

- Hazelnut coffee

The Olympics

The Winter Olympics came to a close last night, and I'm still wondering about the Olympic spirit in America. I didn't feel that much excitement about the Olympics, unlike there seemed to be while I was growing up.

Was the excitement there, and I missed it? Or are things different now that we have so many more viewing choices? Perhaps it's just easier to ignore the Olympics.

Or is our society so fragmented into liberal vs. conservative, pro-war vs. anti-war, this side of an issue vs. that side of an issue, that we can't rally as a nation any more?

Is NBC's poor coverage of the Games to blame? I could not believe the disrespect shown by the network, abruptly ending their coverage of the Closing Ceremony to lead into a new program.

I was glad to see Canada win the gold medal in men's hockey because it means more to them than it does to us. Frankly, I'm not sure winning that medal would mean anything to U.S. citizens, a far cry from the excitement over The Miracle of 30 years ago.

I believe that my parents instilled the Olympic spirit in me. When I watch the Games, I feel pride for our athletes and peace at seeing the world come together for a time. I enjoy hearing the human interest stories about various athletes and teams. My parents followed the Olympics closely this time, as they always do, giving me updates on what I missed while I was at work. My mom even took off work to watch the women's gold medal hockey game!

How about you? Did you have the Olympic spirit?

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?