Wednesday, February 12th, 2014, Quintin's cousin Michelle was found dead in her home. She suffered from injuries to her neck and head. I didn't hear about it for a day or two after it had happened but I remember time standing still when I did hear.
I had only met Michelle a couple of times and both of those times was at the Schultz family Christmas. Besides Grandma, Michelle was the only reason I even wanted to attend. Don't get me wrong, I love my husband's family. I have just never felt like I fit in there and I don't really know very many people. We all sit in our little groups and stay to ourselves. We eat, go bowling, come back and eat some more, watch Grandma and Wayne open their presents, and sit and talk and then everyone goes home.
This past Christmas, Michelle told me that they weren't going to be able to make it and I was so sad. I had really looked forward to seeing her and was even going to try to trade some shifts to spend some extra time with her while she was in town. She told me that her boyfriend was trying to get his shop up and going and she was so busy at work, they just didn't feel like it was a good time to get away.
"No worries," I told her. I think Q and I should just take a road trip to Illinois this spring and hang out for a long weekend. We hadn't planned anything but it was something we all wanted to do.
Michelle was such a fun gal and she really told it like it was. I loved that about her! She wasn't afraid to stand up for her convictions and nobody was going to mess with her kids. She was a great mother who took great pride in her children. Michelle was a rare gem to me. She and I clicked immediately and we shared the same sense of humor. And she was so beautiful. Inside and out.
Like I said, when I found out that she died, time stood still for me. I actually thought the person telling me, was playing a very sick joke on me. I felt my heart sink. And then to hear that she was murdered, made me even sicker. I wanted to go to her and make it all go away. I wanted her back and I wanted her here. Here with her family.
I had sent Q a message to call me on his break and when I told him the news, he was heart broken. He hadn't known Michelle really well either but he thought she was so fun to be around and was really proud to call her his cousin. He too, looked forward to spending time with her at Christmas and wanted to go visit her and her family.
To even hear people speak of her death brought tears to my eyes and I was having a hard time understanding a lot of things. Not only the facts surrounding her death, but about why it was affecting me the way it was. I still am not sure about the whole "feelings" thing.
The morning of Michelle's visitation, Q and I headed west out of town to take our treasures to the mission and within minutes, we met a hearse on the highway. Immediately tears just poured down my cheeks...kind of like now. All I wanted at that moment was to call Michelle and tell her that she was a one-of-a-kind person and that I would never ever forget her. She will always have a special place in my heart.
I know God brought us together for a reason...
I'm not sure of the reason but I know there's a reason.
When we got home from Omaha that evening, we stopped at home to change clothes and freshen up before going to the funeral home. I almost didn't go. My stomach was in knots and I didn't want to tell anyone...not even Q...because I didn't know how to explain what I was feeling.
How did this woman make such an impact on me?
Why is it so hard to let her go?
I wasn't sure if I would be able to keep my composure in front of her mom and step-dad but I knew I needed to be strong for them. When we walked in the viewing room, there was the most beautiful green casket I have ever laid eyes on. It was topped with a stunning spray of flowers with green ribbons through it. All I could think was how gorgeous those colors were for her. Somehow it was "fitting" for her.
She would have loved it.
I wish I could lean in and tell her how much I already miss her.
I wanted to whisper our secret joke in her ear.
The casket was closed.
I don't know why and I don't need to know why. Maybe it was due to her injuries and maybe it was easier for her family that way. It doesn't matter. I talk to her a lot these days. Remembering the things we joked about...and smile, just thinking about her smile.
I got through the hugging process but I couldn't make myself leave the room. I had given Q strict orders not to leave me by myself simply because I didn't know a lot of the people there and what did he do? Yes, he left me. Off to socialize. I'm sure Michelle was looking down laughing at us saying, "Ha ha he did just exactly what you told him not to do!"
It's an awkward feeling to be standing in a room with a group of people that you don't really know. And it's even more awkward when you can't, for the life of you, even force yourself to leave that room. I just went from flower to plant to plant to flower...looking at names on cards but not really seeing any of them. I mentally lectured myself the whole time to keep my eyes dry and be strong.
Her step-dad thanked me for being there and I fumbled "I wouldn't be anywhere else." It was close because that dam was having an awful time not bursting forth with thousands of tears just waiting to be shed. I hate it when my voice wavers as I speak.
Do not lose it in front of all these people.
You can do this.
Michelle, I miss you. I hope that doesn't sound silly. I miss you.
I didn't attend the funeral because I had already consented to cover a shift at work for someone who was out on medical leave. My heart was with her though, and her mom, step-dad, kids...everyone, that whole day.
I think I finally understand what my mom told me so many years ago about how she never really got closure after Marla died in our house fire. She never got to see Marla. The casket was closed and that was that.
It's so hard to believe that my friend is gone and that I will never see her. I wish I could shake the tears that are so close.
I wish I could get these feelings off my sleeve.
I will keep mourning you dear Michelle. As long as it takes. Tears flowing deep within and smiles on the surface. You will always be one of the best people I have ever known. Even if I only got to know you for that short time.
Thank you for being the beautiful gal you were.
Thank you for having an effect on me.
Michelle's obituary can be read at: http://steenfunerals.com/obituaries/index.php?pageID=Michelle-Miller-Woods-1959-2014#.Uv74pl4tfHg.facebook
She left behind three beautiful children that I, unfortunately, didn't get to know. Someday, I hope to be able to show them how much of an impact their momma made on my heart.
Until next time...thanks for reading.
2014/02/25
2014/02/24
Time of delivery
Tuesday, February 18th, Quintin and I got all the donations loaded up to take to the mission in the Omaha, NE/Council Bluffs, IA/Carter Lake, IA area. If you remember from my blog on January 17th, I spoke of a time in my life when I had to spend the night here. Let me just say right here, right now...things are not the same at The Open Door. No, not at all!
We had the back of the pickup loaded. We had the trailer loaded. The closer we got, the more excited we got about what we were doing. As we neared the city, Quintin told me that he would really like it if we could do this every year. I told him it was a deal but I would rather take donations in the fall simply because the weather was a LITTLE more dependable then. So this fall, we will take another load of donations up. Let me know if you are going to want to donate and I will put you on my reminder list.
When we pulled up to the donation center, I kept looking around for the building that used to be there. The building I stayed in. The building that helped inspire me. It was nowhere to be seen. As we were pulling up to the side of the building to unload, I kept saying, "This is the Open Door but this isn't the Open Door." It just wasn't what I remembered. Not anything at all.
What used to be a building called the Lydia House, was now taken over by 5 three story buildings. Very large buildings. If I hadn't known better, I would have thought they were dormitories. Or apartment buildings.
When we pulled up, I told a guy named Josh that I was to meet up with Tami because she not only wanted to see what we had to bring, but she was going to give us a tour. Josh immediately ran over to one of the other buildings and got her. No time was wasted. And just as soon as we could get out of the truck, along came 4 men with a huge box on a pallet, ready to unload our gifts. They didn't expect us to do anything. But we did. We heaved bags and shoved boxes right along with them. And they had such a good sense of humor. Everyone having fun doing what they were doing.
And as they moved from the trailer to the pickup, one of them said, "I'm glad we all came in today. This is a great load!" That my friends, made my heart soar. I was glad they came in too. We filled two of those huge boxes and had a little extra to spare. They weighed it all and it came in at a little over half a ton. HALF A TON! How amazing is that? Not just clothes but books, games, shampoo, tooth paste, tooth brushes, hair brushes, soaps, body washes, sprays, lotions, Q-tips, deodorants, blankets, sheets, bags, shoes, laundry soap, towels, wash clothes, toilet paper. I could go on and on and would surely forget to mention something.
My friends...what WE did.....you and I...together...was nothing short of amazing. We helped a lot of people. We helped people to have things they wouldn't have otherwise. We gave people hope. We showed people that we care. That we have love in our hearts. Not just for those we know and are around us...but for complete strangers that we will probably never meet. I can't thank you enough for helping me with this project.
After unloading, Tami took us on a tour of a few buildings. The first one was the donation center. The Timberlake Outreach Center. Upon entering, it looked just exactly like any other Goodwill store or Salvation Army. There were racks of clothes on hangers. There was a place with household items, such as pots and pans, etc., and there was an area for mattresses and bedding, as well as an area for food such as store bought rolls, breads, dried beans, canned goods. The list is endless. In the back, there was all sorts of different furniture and toys, books and games.
Now...let's see if I can explain this. Those that are in the "program," can come here and shop once every 30 days. They can pick out whatever it is that they want or need and take it. They don't have to pay for it. They just have to be in a program through the mission that helps them either get back on their feet or rehabilitate their lives in some way.
The building itself is in bad repair. They had a pipe freeze and bust, making a huge mess in which they had to close completely down for a few days. Ceiling tiles need replaced. Offices are having to be re-done. As much as it needed repair, I can see how it brought hope to so many.
Next, we went to another building...which is the Lydia House...only a new and improved Lydia House! It was so nice and so clean. From the minute we walked in, until the door closed behind us, Quintin and I couldn't stop talking about how nice is smelled. This building had some family units in them. These consist of a livingroom/kitchen area that is pretty good size, one bedroom that has bunk beds with trundles underneath, and a good sized bathroom. They are very nice units and the most they have had live in one is a family of 9. In that one unit. And they got along fine. Don't know that I would do as well. God Bless them!
In the Lydia House, there were big areas where beds were set up at night for single mothers and their children. I can't remember 100% but I think these were short term people that stayed in these rooms. We saw a wonderful room for children to learn and play in. It reminded me of a Kindergarten classroom. Again, so very clean and toys are wiped down regularly with bleach.
Another room showed computers where people could study for their GED's, look for jobs, etc. They were big, well lit, and SO QUIET!!! I was almost afraid to ask questions for fear of breaking the silence. There were offices for counselors/case workers.
As we walked down the halls, every person we met smiled and said hello and it was genuine. Not a hello simply because you made eye contact. I could have stayed there for the whole day and never stopped smiling.
The utility closets were probably my favorite part and if you know me at all...you aren't surprised. This is where I learned just exactly what I want to do for the mission personally. The cleaning products that they pay for...the laundry soaps that they pay for...the brooms and mops and buckets that they pay for...it's outstanding.
If you are planning on participating in the next round, and you aren't sure what to donate, don't think twice about bleach, brooms, dust pans, dust mops, buckets, laundry soaps, dish soap, hand towels, dish rags, cleaning rags, SOS pads, scrubbers. Things of that nature.
You are also more than welcome to send the "normal" stuff too. The stuff we took this first time. It is all very much in need and all very much appreciated.
The next, and last building, that we went into to...forgive me because I can't think of the name of the building right now...mainly housed men. Some small families in one area and then the main kitchen was in this building. Big and spacious area and we got to go into the kitchen where a crew was busy getting things prepped for dinner time. They were so friendly...asking us if we wanted to do dishes for them! Wasn't that nice of them to think of us like that??? Unfortunately, we were on a tour and couldn't stop!!
Tami did say that if a group wanted to come up and volunteer to help out, to let them know and they would get us on the schedule whenever it would work for everyone. For those that are interested in volunteering around the holidays, get your name in early because they have people in all the time.
And if you are going through the area and just happen to have a frozen turkey in your car that you can spare...drop it off. A little goes a long ways!
In that last building...the one with the big kitchen that I should have in my house...they also house Veterans in one area. Some of them pay a small rent but most do not. They have a nice patio out back that many of the men were enjoying that day.
If you are interested in having a tour, volunteering, wanting to donate...anything at all...you can contact the Open Door Mission at 402-422-1111. Let them know what you want to do and they will steer you in the right direction. For monetary donations, you can mail a check or money order to: 2828 North 23rd Street East, Omaha, NE 68110. It can be a general donation or you can direct it to anything specific. For a list of those, I would recommend calling and asking what programs they have but some that I know of would be the Veterans, children's programs, single parent programs, GED programs, families.
I hope you enjoyed your little mini tour of the mission. This project made my heart soar, as I said. I think God brought me to this place called earth, to help. To give. To reach out. I know this is what I'm supposed to do; I just haven't figured out exactly how I am supposed to do it on a continual basis. In time I guess. In time.
Until next time...thanks for reading, thanks for donating, thanks for being you. From my heart to yours, much love. <3
We had the back of the pickup loaded. We had the trailer loaded. The closer we got, the more excited we got about what we were doing. As we neared the city, Quintin told me that he would really like it if we could do this every year. I told him it was a deal but I would rather take donations in the fall simply because the weather was a LITTLE more dependable then. So this fall, we will take another load of donations up. Let me know if you are going to want to donate and I will put you on my reminder list.
When we pulled up to the donation center, I kept looking around for the building that used to be there. The building I stayed in. The building that helped inspire me. It was nowhere to be seen. As we were pulling up to the side of the building to unload, I kept saying, "This is the Open Door but this isn't the Open Door." It just wasn't what I remembered. Not anything at all.
What used to be a building called the Lydia House, was now taken over by 5 three story buildings. Very large buildings. If I hadn't known better, I would have thought they were dormitories. Or apartment buildings.
When we pulled up, I told a guy named Josh that I was to meet up with Tami because she not only wanted to see what we had to bring, but she was going to give us a tour. Josh immediately ran over to one of the other buildings and got her. No time was wasted. And just as soon as we could get out of the truck, along came 4 men with a huge box on a pallet, ready to unload our gifts. They didn't expect us to do anything. But we did. We heaved bags and shoved boxes right along with them. And they had such a good sense of humor. Everyone having fun doing what they were doing.
And as they moved from the trailer to the pickup, one of them said, "I'm glad we all came in today. This is a great load!" That my friends, made my heart soar. I was glad they came in too. We filled two of those huge boxes and had a little extra to spare. They weighed it all and it came in at a little over half a ton. HALF A TON! How amazing is that? Not just clothes but books, games, shampoo, tooth paste, tooth brushes, hair brushes, soaps, body washes, sprays, lotions, Q-tips, deodorants, blankets, sheets, bags, shoes, laundry soap, towels, wash clothes, toilet paper. I could go on and on and would surely forget to mention something.
My friends...what WE did.....you and I...together...was nothing short of amazing. We helped a lot of people. We helped people to have things they wouldn't have otherwise. We gave people hope. We showed people that we care. That we have love in our hearts. Not just for those we know and are around us...but for complete strangers that we will probably never meet. I can't thank you enough for helping me with this project.
After unloading, Tami took us on a tour of a few buildings. The first one was the donation center. The Timberlake Outreach Center. Upon entering, it looked just exactly like any other Goodwill store or Salvation Army. There were racks of clothes on hangers. There was a place with household items, such as pots and pans, etc., and there was an area for mattresses and bedding, as well as an area for food such as store bought rolls, breads, dried beans, canned goods. The list is endless. In the back, there was all sorts of different furniture and toys, books and games.
Now...let's see if I can explain this. Those that are in the "program," can come here and shop once every 30 days. They can pick out whatever it is that they want or need and take it. They don't have to pay for it. They just have to be in a program through the mission that helps them either get back on their feet or rehabilitate their lives in some way.
The building itself is in bad repair. They had a pipe freeze and bust, making a huge mess in which they had to close completely down for a few days. Ceiling tiles need replaced. Offices are having to be re-done. As much as it needed repair, I can see how it brought hope to so many.
Next, we went to another building...which is the Lydia House...only a new and improved Lydia House! It was so nice and so clean. From the minute we walked in, until the door closed behind us, Quintin and I couldn't stop talking about how nice is smelled. This building had some family units in them. These consist of a livingroom/kitchen area that is pretty good size, one bedroom that has bunk beds with trundles underneath, and a good sized bathroom. They are very nice units and the most they have had live in one is a family of 9. In that one unit. And they got along fine. Don't know that I would do as well. God Bless them!
In the Lydia House, there were big areas where beds were set up at night for single mothers and their children. I can't remember 100% but I think these were short term people that stayed in these rooms. We saw a wonderful room for children to learn and play in. It reminded me of a Kindergarten classroom. Again, so very clean and toys are wiped down regularly with bleach.
Another room showed computers where people could study for their GED's, look for jobs, etc. They were big, well lit, and SO QUIET!!! I was almost afraid to ask questions for fear of breaking the silence. There were offices for counselors/case workers.
As we walked down the halls, every person we met smiled and said hello and it was genuine. Not a hello simply because you made eye contact. I could have stayed there for the whole day and never stopped smiling.
The utility closets were probably my favorite part and if you know me at all...you aren't surprised. This is where I learned just exactly what I want to do for the mission personally. The cleaning products that they pay for...the laundry soaps that they pay for...the brooms and mops and buckets that they pay for...it's outstanding.
If you are planning on participating in the next round, and you aren't sure what to donate, don't think twice about bleach, brooms, dust pans, dust mops, buckets, laundry soaps, dish soap, hand towels, dish rags, cleaning rags, SOS pads, scrubbers. Things of that nature.
You are also more than welcome to send the "normal" stuff too. The stuff we took this first time. It is all very much in need and all very much appreciated.
The next, and last building, that we went into to...forgive me because I can't think of the name of the building right now...mainly housed men. Some small families in one area and then the main kitchen was in this building. Big and spacious area and we got to go into the kitchen where a crew was busy getting things prepped for dinner time. They were so friendly...asking us if we wanted to do dishes for them! Wasn't that nice of them to think of us like that??? Unfortunately, we were on a tour and couldn't stop!!
Tami did say that if a group wanted to come up and volunteer to help out, to let them know and they would get us on the schedule whenever it would work for everyone. For those that are interested in volunteering around the holidays, get your name in early because they have people in all the time.
And if you are going through the area and just happen to have a frozen turkey in your car that you can spare...drop it off. A little goes a long ways!
In that last building...the one with the big kitchen that I should have in my house...they also house Veterans in one area. Some of them pay a small rent but most do not. They have a nice patio out back that many of the men were enjoying that day.
If you are interested in having a tour, volunteering, wanting to donate...anything at all...you can contact the Open Door Mission at 402-422-1111. Let them know what you want to do and they will steer you in the right direction. For monetary donations, you can mail a check or money order to: 2828 North 23rd Street East, Omaha, NE 68110. It can be a general donation or you can direct it to anything specific. For a list of those, I would recommend calling and asking what programs they have but some that I know of would be the Veterans, children's programs, single parent programs, GED programs, families.
I hope you enjoyed your little mini tour of the mission. This project made my heart soar, as I said. I think God brought me to this place called earth, to help. To give. To reach out. I know this is what I'm supposed to do; I just haven't figured out exactly how I am supposed to do it on a continual basis. In time I guess. In time.
Until next time...thanks for reading, thanks for donating, thanks for being you. From my heart to yours, much love. <3
2014/02/16
Feeling like a couple hundred million bucks
I feel like I need something light-hearted this time around. I have so much sadness going on around me at this time, I need happy. I need smiles. I need dreams. Let's see what happens.....
I saw that nobody won the Powerball yesterday and it is now up to $400,000,000.00. That my friend, is a lot of zeros. Then I saw on Facebook where one of my friends posted a status about not having any numbers right and then what he would do if he had won.
Which, in turn, got me to thinking. Scary, huh?
If I won the Powerball this coming Wednesday night, I wouldn't even care how much I would have to pay in taxes. Obviously I'm going to have more than enough to spend in my lifetime. And I'm not going to be bored. For a long, long time.
Upon receiving and depositing such hugely enormous check that will be so big and heavy, I will need help carrying it to do so, the first thing I would do is take my two sisters and husband to a wonderful dinner and some shopping. Of course, we will have to have everything shipped to our homes because it's not going to fit in any of our vehicles.
What the heck. We may as well spend the night in a hotel and really celebrate in style. Just one night though. I have stuff to do. Important stuff. I assume they will too.
So I would then pay off any and all bills in mine and my husband's names. I would then start looking around for the "perfect" place for us to live. Somewhere that he can have all the toys he needs, do all the messing around he wants (not THAT kind of messing around!), and be secluded enough that nobody will even know that we are there. Or even care.
I can just imagine the headaches coming my way building a home where Quintin won't be allowed in my living space due to his slobbiness. Haha there's a hurdle we'll jump when it's time. -_- Don't worry though. He will be fed and clean and out of the elements.
I already know that my loving husband will want one, if not three, new vehicles. And he deserves them so I will give him that.
I forgot to add that while paying all of our bills, my brothers and sisters would be taken care of, as well. Money...whether it's for college, vehicles, houses...whatever...for each of my nieces and nephews.
Scholarships in several schools and clubs, for many kids to benefit from.
And then....the thing my mom and I have spent many, many hours, planning out and dreaming about. I would build these in several towns. A laundromat. Yep, a laundromat. But not just any laundromat. My laundromat is going to have big screens around the building playing many different shows and/or sporting events. It will have round-the-clock employees that will press and/or dry clean garments. You can wash your own clothes or you can leave them with us and we will wash them, using state-of-the-art washers and dryers, of course.
There will be an activity room for kids to learn in. I will, of course, hire some professionals to be there during the "busy" times to aid in the learning process. There will be a game room for kids and adults alike, complete with a pool table, fooz ball table, ping pong table. There will also be a little eatery in the building. Anything from cardboard pizza (because I love those) to salads to sandwiches. Who knows what I'll serve!!!
That will be some building, huh? And don't worry parents, you will be able to switch into our system and watch your child the whole time, should you leave them in the activity or game room.
Another little fantasy I would fulfill is the "dream shop." That would consist of one building with sections for businesses like: beauty shop, massage parlor (none of that illegal stuff), chiropractor, nail salon, spray tan, waxing and who knows what else, inside. This is a new dream for me so I haven't thought that one out very well.
Oh the fun I would have building these businesses! And the fun I would have going from place to place. That, to me, is living the dream.
So what would YOU do if you won hundred of millions of dollars???
Until next time...thanks for reading!!!
I saw that nobody won the Powerball yesterday and it is now up to $400,000,000.00. That my friend, is a lot of zeros. Then I saw on Facebook where one of my friends posted a status about not having any numbers right and then what he would do if he had won.
Which, in turn, got me to thinking. Scary, huh?
If I won the Powerball this coming Wednesday night, I wouldn't even care how much I would have to pay in taxes. Obviously I'm going to have more than enough to spend in my lifetime. And I'm not going to be bored. For a long, long time.
Upon receiving and depositing such hugely enormous check that will be so big and heavy, I will need help carrying it to do so, the first thing I would do is take my two sisters and husband to a wonderful dinner and some shopping. Of course, we will have to have everything shipped to our homes because it's not going to fit in any of our vehicles.
What the heck. We may as well spend the night in a hotel and really celebrate in style. Just one night though. I have stuff to do. Important stuff. I assume they will too.
So I would then pay off any and all bills in mine and my husband's names. I would then start looking around for the "perfect" place for us to live. Somewhere that he can have all the toys he needs, do all the messing around he wants (not THAT kind of messing around!), and be secluded enough that nobody will even know that we are there. Or even care.
I can just imagine the headaches coming my way building a home where Quintin won't be allowed in my living space due to his slobbiness. Haha there's a hurdle we'll jump when it's time. -_- Don't worry though. He will be fed and clean and out of the elements.
I already know that my loving husband will want one, if not three, new vehicles. And he deserves them so I will give him that.
I forgot to add that while paying all of our bills, my brothers and sisters would be taken care of, as well. Money...whether it's for college, vehicles, houses...whatever...for each of my nieces and nephews.
Scholarships in several schools and clubs, for many kids to benefit from.
And then....the thing my mom and I have spent many, many hours, planning out and dreaming about. I would build these in several towns. A laundromat. Yep, a laundromat. But not just any laundromat. My laundromat is going to have big screens around the building playing many different shows and/or sporting events. It will have round-the-clock employees that will press and/or dry clean garments. You can wash your own clothes or you can leave them with us and we will wash them, using state-of-the-art washers and dryers, of course.
There will be an activity room for kids to learn in. I will, of course, hire some professionals to be there during the "busy" times to aid in the learning process. There will be a game room for kids and adults alike, complete with a pool table, fooz ball table, ping pong table. There will also be a little eatery in the building. Anything from cardboard pizza (because I love those) to salads to sandwiches. Who knows what I'll serve!!!
That will be some building, huh? And don't worry parents, you will be able to switch into our system and watch your child the whole time, should you leave them in the activity or game room.
Another little fantasy I would fulfill is the "dream shop." That would consist of one building with sections for businesses like: beauty shop, massage parlor (none of that illegal stuff), chiropractor, nail salon, spray tan, waxing and who knows what else, inside. This is a new dream for me so I haven't thought that one out very well.
Oh the fun I would have building these businesses! And the fun I would have going from place to place. That, to me, is living the dream.
So what would YOU do if you won hundred of millions of dollars???
Until next time...thanks for reading!!!
2014/02/04
More friends
I'm baaaaaack! I will try to get through this without getting too sappy. Hey, I may even put a little humor into this one. Who knows. Let's see where it goes!
I left off at number 6: Your parents. Hard one for me and one that has kept mom and dad in the forefront of my mind ever since. I also wanted to add that parents are not always on the list of BFF's. Like those parents that choose to walk away from their own flesh and blood because of mistakes they have made. Parents that won't acknowledge they even have a child or children. Those people aren't fit to be called parents in my opinion. In my husband's case, his parental BFF's are/were his grandparents. On both sides of his family. Even when he thought they weren't. I don't know what kind of person he would be today if they hadn't have been consistent in his life while he was growing up.
Moving on.....Best friend #7: Your siblings.
For some of you that don't have siblings, it could be a cousin or another relative, even a close friend. At some point, your siblings rise to the BFF status at some point in your life. They are right there wearing those same plaid pants that you are. They have to be in those embarrassing pictures too. And they also have strange hair cuts. It wasn't just you! Your siblings are basically "forced to love you" and vice versa and they are also the ones to tell you just how it is!
I love all my brothers and sisters. Nothing will ever change that. That doesn't mean I have to like everything about them. I know there is plenty they don't like about me. My sisters are my rocks. Don't know what I would do without them, honestly. I have such seperate relationships with each of them that they bring out the best in me. They make me think. They make me strive. My brothers...well that gets a little hairy. When I was a child, I lived for my brothers. I thought they were my world. Right outside of my dad. Of course, I would never tell THEM that but I always adored them. I would always hate their girlfriends until they wanted me to like them. Then I loved their girlfriends. If someone told me that they thought one of my brothers was cute, I immediately didn't like them. Funny. Although I love my brothers with all my heart, I have never felt like I quite measured up to them in any way. I wasn't athletic enough; I wasn't educated enough; I wasn't smart enough. But now that we are grown adults, I have realized I don't have to measure up in their eyes. Just my own. I still love my brothers and we will always be family.
Best friend #8: Your twenty something BFF.
This BFF has been through some of the best times with you and some of the worst times with you. They were there when you started and quit a job...maybe in the same day. They were there when you cried...or screamed...about some jerk of a guy that treated you wrong. The BFF's in your twenties are supposed to be your besties for life because of all the "survival" you have endured together.
My twenty something BFF would be Linda. She and I have so many ups and downs that we could sell tickets for our own roller coaster. Maybe that's what that "survival" means. She and I have lived together on several occasions and have done some PRETTY. STUPID. stuff over the years. We've also done some of the funnest things as well. For instance, she held a frozen Snicker's bar on her thigh and used a knife to cut through it. Yep, she went to the Emergency Room because she cut herself so deeply. To this day she blames me for that. All I can do is laugh at her about it. Linda and I both hold a lot of stuff inside that we shouldn't. We let it build up until one of us can't stand it anymore. We used to get mad and stop talking to each other but not anymore. We just tell each other what pisses us off and we move on.
Best friend #9: Your Powerhouse BFF.
This is the BFF that has the same career goals as you and someone that has helped pull you up to where you are at now. You may have met them at a previous job or just out having coffee one day but usually you and the Powerhouse BFF have the same opinions about everyone and everything. This is a beautiful relationship.
I have to honestly say that I don't have a Powerhouse BFF. Nobody really helped me "get to where I am" because I am doing a job that I have been around my whole entire life. It doesn't mean I want to do this job for the rest of my life nor does it mean that I hate it. I really took this job, in the first place, because it was close to home and offered insurance. That is it. And if I ever meet anyone that has the same opinions about everything as me, I am just turning around and walking away. I would probably not like that person very much. I think my opposites would like me a whole lot better.
Best friend #10: Your Long Distance BFF.
You may only have one of these, or a few of these, heck, maybe even several, depending on how much you move around. At some point, you know you are going to go off in different directions, possibly another state, and the relationship changes. Not in a bad way, but it does change. You end up loving every minute you get to see each other and text each other about how much you miss each other.
My Long Distance BFF is Stacy. She lives in the Kansas City area and we met through a mutal "guy" that we both knew. Or thought we knew. Of course that guy isn't in our lives anymore (thank you Jesus) but we have continued to remain friends and I love her kids like they were my own...even though she has a son that wanted to marry me at one time!!! I don't get to see Stacy as much as I'd like so yes, we tell each other all the time how we miss each other and can't wait to get a visit in again. It's always, always, always, too far in between. I love her like my own sister and I am so glad that God brought us together. I don't believe our relationship has changed though. That is the only thing I disagree on. At least with she and I.
Best friend #11: Your furry BFF.
You may have only one of these, you may have many of these. They come in many forms. Dogs, cats, ferrets (ick), snakes, rats, you name it...people love all sorts of different furry. And some not so furry. Pets are amazing!
If you don't have any of these, or have never had any of these, I feel sorry for you. There is nothing like the unconditional love a pet can give you. The security they place in your heart is uncomparable. Growing up, we lived in the jail house...owned by the county...so we couldn't have pets. Every year though, I always asked mom and dad and also Santa Claus for a puppy. Never got one until I was older though. Kathy and I had a little puppy when we lived out in the country south of Corning. It was named Snickers and it was a cute little thing. We put it outside to go potty and it never came back. I'm pretty sure it became food for some bigger animal. Or got stepped on by a cow. Who knows. Love you Snickers!!
My first husband and I had a German Shephard named Spike. I loved that dog too! Of course I did. I loved all my animals! He was so fun. After my dad died, we moved in with my mom and we had to take Spike to a shelter. I hated that. I vowed I would never let a dog go to a shelter again. I was mad at myself for a long time over that.
Later, my husband and I got a couple of cats. We had moved into our own place by this time. My cats were named Felix and Oscar and guess what...they were both female. And they hated each other. But they loved me. They also loved the phone! When I was at work, my mom would call and leave a message on the answering machine and Oscar would push the answer button. I guess he wanted to talk to her as well! One time, we were sitting at the dinner table and mom was living with us. We had put the cats in the basement while we ate and I will be darned if that Oscar didn't get up in the duct and climb up into the cold air return vent. I thought my mom was going to piss herself. Scared her so! Oh that was so funny!
Eventually the cats got to be too many and to the farm they went.
My second husband and I had a precious little baby girl named Lucy Diamond Keith. She was loved so much. By both of us. Spoiled rotten and beautiful. She was actually a gift from Long Distance BFF Stacy. Lucy never wanted for anything! When we divorced, it was agreed that we would split time with Lucy but I couldn't find an apartment that would allow me to let her stay there. When I had it arranged to stay at friend Linda's house with her, Jason had moved and wouldn't answer any calls or texts from me and didn't allow me to see her. (THAT is why I took the big screen TV you jackwagon!) Lucy lives in Wichita with her daddy and I have no doubts that she still lives like the Princess she is. I wish I could at least get a picture of her every once in a while but I guess he hasn't yet got over the fact that life went on after him and I. *sigh*
So now Quintin and I have had a few dogs now. First there was Annie. She's a RedTick coonhound that doesn't want anything to do with hunting. She just wants to lay around on the porch or the couch, depending on what time of year it is, and mother every other animal around her. We got her from Quintin's brother. She was so skinny and I always felt sorry for her being an outside dog in the winter so I kept saying I wanted her, and eventually I got her. The power of persuasion is great.
Next came Josie and Tucker. We got them from friends in Bedford. They were brother and sister. Part beagle and part wiener dog. I called them my beaners. Josie had a litter of puppies with Ashley's dog, Tucker, and we found homes for two and kept one. His name was Bear. I was (and still am) in love with him. He was the smartest dog I ever met. I have written about Bear in one of my first year blogs. Bear got run over in front of our home and whoever ran him over, didn't have the guts to come and tell me to my face. It devastated me and put me down for days. It's still hard to talk about Bear and for a long time, Josie couldn't understand why her son wasn't around.
Josie later had another litter of pups. Three again. One she sat on right after it was born. At that point, I didn't think too much about it. Thought it was an accident. That happens. We moved her and the other two in the house and put them in a gigantic kennel. Big enough for Annie, our coonhound, to dance around in. Josie didn't like anyone to give her puppies any attention. She would move them out of our way and put herself in their place. She wanted ALL the attention. I didn't realize how bad it was until I came home one night and she had sat on another one as it was climbing around on the food dish. I know she knew it was there and I know there was plenty of room for those pups to wander around. That night, she didn't want me to have anything to do with her one remaining pup. That's when I knew she wasn't right. She was put down and again, that devastated me. Losing dogs is harder for me than losing people.
The one remaining pup, Buddy...whom we lovingly refer to as Buddha...remains with us. Spoiled rotten and my faithful companion no matter what. He is not allowed outside at all unless he is in the fenced in yard or on a leash. I can not go through another devastating blow like I did with Bear. I realize someday I will have to say goodbye to him but to even think about that makes my heart hurt. So I am done talking about that.
I apologize for the length of this blog. Purely unintentional. Seems I can't stop talking about my furry friends.
Best Friend #12: Your Significant Other
Your significant other, your best friend, your cheerleader, your cuddler...the one who is there for better or for worse. Being friends first is what makes your relationship.
I'm not 100% sure I agree with the above. Although, Quintin and I are best friends. I love him with all my heart. I have to admit though, I jumped right from one relationship into another (with him). I didn't wait to become friends. I'm not really that kind of person though. I like to jump in and see what happens. I don't recommend that. Look at me...married three times. BUT, the third time was a charm. I can not imagine my life without him. He makes me laugh and he makes me mad. All in the same breath usually. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I can't say that he always understands what I am needing to say...or even understands what I'm getting at...but it just makes me try harder!
And last but not least...Best Friend #13: Your number one best friend forever!
This is the friend that "trumps" all other friends. It could be one of the friends from above, that is also another type of BFF. This is the person you call in times of crisis or when something amazing happens. You can talk to them...be yourself...without fear of losing them. This BFF feels like family to you and they feel the same way.
I have a couple of different people that fit this bill. Kathy and Beth. They always share my happines when something amazing happens and they always sympathize (or empathize) when something devastating happens. They are the ones that try to "walk me through" whatever it is I'm going through and try to offer up different suggestions on how to handle things.
All in all, I think I am blessed to have the friends that I do. And I would like to add one more to the list.
Best Friend #14: Your Spiritual BFF.
I think this BFF is one of the most important ones. He or she is the one you can turn to when you need a prayer warrior on your side. When your world has been turned upside down and you can't make sense of it anymore. When you have doubts about your feelings and are ready to just give in. This BFF will keep all your secrets and take them to his or her grave for you.
I can't even get through a day without thinking of my Spiritual BFF, Mendi. Although she and I aren't "close," I can't think of any one person that I'd rather have in my corner. When I think of her and her beautiful family, I get a serene feeling in my heart. She helps me make sense of some of the things going on in this world and her prayers have helped me and my family in some of the worst moments. Again, I am blessed to know her; And oh so thankful!
Again, sorry this was so long! Sometimes I just can't shut if off, ya know! Until next time...thanks for reading and thanks for being my friend!!!
I left off at number 6: Your parents. Hard one for me and one that has kept mom and dad in the forefront of my mind ever since. I also wanted to add that parents are not always on the list of BFF's. Like those parents that choose to walk away from their own flesh and blood because of mistakes they have made. Parents that won't acknowledge they even have a child or children. Those people aren't fit to be called parents in my opinion. In my husband's case, his parental BFF's are/were his grandparents. On both sides of his family. Even when he thought they weren't. I don't know what kind of person he would be today if they hadn't have been consistent in his life while he was growing up.
Moving on.....Best friend #7: Your siblings.
For some of you that don't have siblings, it could be a cousin or another relative, even a close friend. At some point, your siblings rise to the BFF status at some point in your life. They are right there wearing those same plaid pants that you are. They have to be in those embarrassing pictures too. And they also have strange hair cuts. It wasn't just you! Your siblings are basically "forced to love you" and vice versa and they are also the ones to tell you just how it is!
I love all my brothers and sisters. Nothing will ever change that. That doesn't mean I have to like everything about them. I know there is plenty they don't like about me. My sisters are my rocks. Don't know what I would do without them, honestly. I have such seperate relationships with each of them that they bring out the best in me. They make me think. They make me strive. My brothers...well that gets a little hairy. When I was a child, I lived for my brothers. I thought they were my world. Right outside of my dad. Of course, I would never tell THEM that but I always adored them. I would always hate their girlfriends until they wanted me to like them. Then I loved their girlfriends. If someone told me that they thought one of my brothers was cute, I immediately didn't like them. Funny. Although I love my brothers with all my heart, I have never felt like I quite measured up to them in any way. I wasn't athletic enough; I wasn't educated enough; I wasn't smart enough. But now that we are grown adults, I have realized I don't have to measure up in their eyes. Just my own. I still love my brothers and we will always be family.
Best friend #8: Your twenty something BFF.
This BFF has been through some of the best times with you and some of the worst times with you. They were there when you started and quit a job...maybe in the same day. They were there when you cried...or screamed...about some jerk of a guy that treated you wrong. The BFF's in your twenties are supposed to be your besties for life because of all the "survival" you have endured together.
My twenty something BFF would be Linda. She and I have so many ups and downs that we could sell tickets for our own roller coaster. Maybe that's what that "survival" means. She and I have lived together on several occasions and have done some PRETTY. STUPID. stuff over the years. We've also done some of the funnest things as well. For instance, she held a frozen Snicker's bar on her thigh and used a knife to cut through it. Yep, she went to the Emergency Room because she cut herself so deeply. To this day she blames me for that. All I can do is laugh at her about it. Linda and I both hold a lot of stuff inside that we shouldn't. We let it build up until one of us can't stand it anymore. We used to get mad and stop talking to each other but not anymore. We just tell each other what pisses us off and we move on.
Best friend #9: Your Powerhouse BFF.
This is the BFF that has the same career goals as you and someone that has helped pull you up to where you are at now. You may have met them at a previous job or just out having coffee one day but usually you and the Powerhouse BFF have the same opinions about everyone and everything. This is a beautiful relationship.
I have to honestly say that I don't have a Powerhouse BFF. Nobody really helped me "get to where I am" because I am doing a job that I have been around my whole entire life. It doesn't mean I want to do this job for the rest of my life nor does it mean that I hate it. I really took this job, in the first place, because it was close to home and offered insurance. That is it. And if I ever meet anyone that has the same opinions about everything as me, I am just turning around and walking away. I would probably not like that person very much. I think my opposites would like me a whole lot better.
Best friend #10: Your Long Distance BFF.
You may only have one of these, or a few of these, heck, maybe even several, depending on how much you move around. At some point, you know you are going to go off in different directions, possibly another state, and the relationship changes. Not in a bad way, but it does change. You end up loving every minute you get to see each other and text each other about how much you miss each other.
My Long Distance BFF is Stacy. She lives in the Kansas City area and we met through a mutal "guy" that we both knew. Or thought we knew. Of course that guy isn't in our lives anymore (thank you Jesus) but we have continued to remain friends and I love her kids like they were my own...even though she has a son that wanted to marry me at one time!!! I don't get to see Stacy as much as I'd like so yes, we tell each other all the time how we miss each other and can't wait to get a visit in again. It's always, always, always, too far in between. I love her like my own sister and I am so glad that God brought us together. I don't believe our relationship has changed though. That is the only thing I disagree on. At least with she and I.
Best friend #11: Your furry BFF.
You may have only one of these, you may have many of these. They come in many forms. Dogs, cats, ferrets (ick), snakes, rats, you name it...people love all sorts of different furry. And some not so furry. Pets are amazing!
If you don't have any of these, or have never had any of these, I feel sorry for you. There is nothing like the unconditional love a pet can give you. The security they place in your heart is uncomparable. Growing up, we lived in the jail house...owned by the county...so we couldn't have pets. Every year though, I always asked mom and dad and also Santa Claus for a puppy. Never got one until I was older though. Kathy and I had a little puppy when we lived out in the country south of Corning. It was named Snickers and it was a cute little thing. We put it outside to go potty and it never came back. I'm pretty sure it became food for some bigger animal. Or got stepped on by a cow. Who knows. Love you Snickers!!
My first husband and I had a German Shephard named Spike. I loved that dog too! Of course I did. I loved all my animals! He was so fun. After my dad died, we moved in with my mom and we had to take Spike to a shelter. I hated that. I vowed I would never let a dog go to a shelter again. I was mad at myself for a long time over that.
Later, my husband and I got a couple of cats. We had moved into our own place by this time. My cats were named Felix and Oscar and guess what...they were both female. And they hated each other. But they loved me. They also loved the phone! When I was at work, my mom would call and leave a message on the answering machine and Oscar would push the answer button. I guess he wanted to talk to her as well! One time, we were sitting at the dinner table and mom was living with us. We had put the cats in the basement while we ate and I will be darned if that Oscar didn't get up in the duct and climb up into the cold air return vent. I thought my mom was going to piss herself. Scared her so! Oh that was so funny!
Eventually the cats got to be too many and to the farm they went.
My second husband and I had a precious little baby girl named Lucy Diamond Keith. She was loved so much. By both of us. Spoiled rotten and beautiful. She was actually a gift from Long Distance BFF Stacy. Lucy never wanted for anything! When we divorced, it was agreed that we would split time with Lucy but I couldn't find an apartment that would allow me to let her stay there. When I had it arranged to stay at friend Linda's house with her, Jason had moved and wouldn't answer any calls or texts from me and didn't allow me to see her. (THAT is why I took the big screen TV you jackwagon!) Lucy lives in Wichita with her daddy and I have no doubts that she still lives like the Princess she is. I wish I could at least get a picture of her every once in a while but I guess he hasn't yet got over the fact that life went on after him and I. *sigh*
So now Quintin and I have had a few dogs now. First there was Annie. She's a RedTick coonhound that doesn't want anything to do with hunting. She just wants to lay around on the porch or the couch, depending on what time of year it is, and mother every other animal around her. We got her from Quintin's brother. She was so skinny and I always felt sorry for her being an outside dog in the winter so I kept saying I wanted her, and eventually I got her. The power of persuasion is great.
Next came Josie and Tucker. We got them from friends in Bedford. They were brother and sister. Part beagle and part wiener dog. I called them my beaners. Josie had a litter of puppies with Ashley's dog, Tucker, and we found homes for two and kept one. His name was Bear. I was (and still am) in love with him. He was the smartest dog I ever met. I have written about Bear in one of my first year blogs. Bear got run over in front of our home and whoever ran him over, didn't have the guts to come and tell me to my face. It devastated me and put me down for days. It's still hard to talk about Bear and for a long time, Josie couldn't understand why her son wasn't around.
Josie later had another litter of pups. Three again. One she sat on right after it was born. At that point, I didn't think too much about it. Thought it was an accident. That happens. We moved her and the other two in the house and put them in a gigantic kennel. Big enough for Annie, our coonhound, to dance around in. Josie didn't like anyone to give her puppies any attention. She would move them out of our way and put herself in their place. She wanted ALL the attention. I didn't realize how bad it was until I came home one night and she had sat on another one as it was climbing around on the food dish. I know she knew it was there and I know there was plenty of room for those pups to wander around. That night, she didn't want me to have anything to do with her one remaining pup. That's when I knew she wasn't right. She was put down and again, that devastated me. Losing dogs is harder for me than losing people.
The one remaining pup, Buddy...whom we lovingly refer to as Buddha...remains with us. Spoiled rotten and my faithful companion no matter what. He is not allowed outside at all unless he is in the fenced in yard or on a leash. I can not go through another devastating blow like I did with Bear. I realize someday I will have to say goodbye to him but to even think about that makes my heart hurt. So I am done talking about that.
I apologize for the length of this blog. Purely unintentional. Seems I can't stop talking about my furry friends.
Best Friend #12: Your Significant Other
Your significant other, your best friend, your cheerleader, your cuddler...the one who is there for better or for worse. Being friends first is what makes your relationship.
I'm not 100% sure I agree with the above. Although, Quintin and I are best friends. I love him with all my heart. I have to admit though, I jumped right from one relationship into another (with him). I didn't wait to become friends. I'm not really that kind of person though. I like to jump in and see what happens. I don't recommend that. Look at me...married three times. BUT, the third time was a charm. I can not imagine my life without him. He makes me laugh and he makes me mad. All in the same breath usually. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I can't say that he always understands what I am needing to say...or even understands what I'm getting at...but it just makes me try harder!
And last but not least...Best Friend #13: Your number one best friend forever!
This is the friend that "trumps" all other friends. It could be one of the friends from above, that is also another type of BFF. This is the person you call in times of crisis or when something amazing happens. You can talk to them...be yourself...without fear of losing them. This BFF feels like family to you and they feel the same way.
I have a couple of different people that fit this bill. Kathy and Beth. They always share my happines when something amazing happens and they always sympathize (or empathize) when something devastating happens. They are the ones that try to "walk me through" whatever it is I'm going through and try to offer up different suggestions on how to handle things.
All in all, I think I am blessed to have the friends that I do. And I would like to add one more to the list.
Best Friend #14: Your Spiritual BFF.
I think this BFF is one of the most important ones. He or she is the one you can turn to when you need a prayer warrior on your side. When your world has been turned upside down and you can't make sense of it anymore. When you have doubts about your feelings and are ready to just give in. This BFF will keep all your secrets and take them to his or her grave for you.
I can't even get through a day without thinking of my Spiritual BFF, Mendi. Although she and I aren't "close," I can't think of any one person that I'd rather have in my corner. When I think of her and her beautiful family, I get a serene feeling in my heart. She helps me make sense of some of the things going on in this world and her prayers have helped me and my family in some of the worst moments. Again, I am blessed to know her; And oh so thankful!
Again, sorry this was so long! Sometimes I just can't shut if off, ya know! Until next time...thanks for reading and thanks for being my friend!!!
2014/02/03
It's all about the friends
A gal on my Facebook, that I have known as long as I can remember, posted the most interesting thing earlier. Ok, technically it was last night but to me it was earlier in this night. I'm a night owl, that's all I got.
Here's the link to what she posted but I will try to break it down for those of you that don't want to click on the link and read it for yourself. The types of best friends you will have in your life. For anyone that knows me, you know that I have a "problem" with having a "best friend." Now I think I know why. I have been trying to bring a best friend from one part of my life.....kicking and screaming.....through all parts of my life...when it's more than obvious she doesn't want to be there.
So here we go. Best friend #1: Your childhood best friend.
Rather than copy and paste...and getting my butt in the slinger for it...I will give you my rendition of each one. The childhood friend is basically your first friend. Maybe you became friends because your parents were friends, or maybe even relatives. You spent many nights at this friend's home, spending the night, playing games with their brothers, sisters and/or parents, broke the rules together, maybe even had imaginary friends that played together.
My #1 best friend was Stacey. We did EVERYTHING together! We spent the night at each other's homes. We ate bugs (June bugs at that!). We rode bicycles (and wrecked). We teeter-tottered on the most awesome teeter-totter in the world (that they still have, I believe!). We lived at the swimming pool when it was open. We got in trouble together (hard to believe, I know!). I loved Stacey like she was my very own blood sister (and still do!) and would do anything for her. Even though she and her neighbor Mindy, told me we were going to knock on the door at the other neighbor's house to see if their son could come out and play. What they didn't tell me was that as soon as we knocked, she and Mindy were going to high-tail it out of there and leave me standing there. To deal with the said boy's scary, mean mom. Sometimes I shudder thinking about that. And I don't know why either because the people were actually distant cousins at that time. But the mom scared me to death. She wasn't very happy either, when I realized they had hidden and left me to defend myself. I just looked at her and ran back to Stacey's house. Hahaha that WAS funny...NOW!
I will try to make these shorter, but you know how I am. Maybe I will make this a 2 parter. Yeah, that's what I'll do. Half of it tonight and half of it tomorrow night. -_- Maybe.
Best friend #2: Your high school BFF.
Your high school BFF is one of the best things...besides your education...that came out of high school! Your high school BFF is how you even got through some of those classes! The person you went to everyday at lunch to talk with. Told all your boy troubles to, your most embarrassing moments, who you skipped school with...did I just say that???
My high school BFF was Lenora. She was so fun to hang around. We stayed a lot of times, with her Grandpa and he would take us to the Skylark Cafe for breakfast. He was wonderful. Lenora's house was the first experience I had ever had eating rabbit. We all sat at the table eating, and afterward Lenora asked me if I liked it. Of course I liked it, I love food! When she told me it wasn't hamburger but it was rabbit, I kinda paused and said "Oh ok. It was good." And I think that was the ONLY time I have ever really liked it. I don't care for it now anyway. Maybe her mom or dad just knew how to cook it. I also remember helping her wash the dishes after dinner one night and she told me that when she first had to start doing the dishes, her mom made her wash ALL the dishes in their china cupboard one night because she didn't get ONE dish (I think it was a glass) cleaned good enough. Yikes, I was thankful we had a dishwasher then. At least it wouldn't have been MY fault if they didn't get clean!
Best friend #3: The kid next door.
This is any kids that lived in the neighborhood and you were "privy" to be friends with because you all lived in the same area and well...you were kinda stuck playing there.
My "kid next door" friend was Rodney. Although we didn't really live next door to each other, his dad was a Deputy for my dad and so our families spent a lot of time together. And they only lived two blocks away from us. I can remember being at their house almost every day. I loved his mom and dad like my own (and still do!) and couldn't get enough of his little sister Kim. I remember they had a Lite Brite and my parents never would get me one. I loved it. I wanted to go there and play with it everyday. Of course, Rodney didn't want to do that! He wanted to ride bikes and play in the dirt and things like that. We ended up doing that more than playing with the Lite Brite but man, I can remember that like it was yesterday.
Best friend #4: Your college BFF.
This is the person that you spend all your college time with. Could be someone from highschool...maybe your BFF...or maybe someone you have known forever...or maybe someone you met at college and a great friendship flourished. This is the person you go to parties with, scam on the guys with, or maybe even traveled with. This BFF helps you figure out who or what you want to be when you get out of college. You know, when you grow up.
I went to college but I didn't go to college for several years after high school. I was too much into partying and spending time with my BFF. So this is where I enter Tammy's name. Had we went to college, she would be my college BFF. Tammy and I had the same interests. Go to work, come home to change clothes, and be out the door again. There were many, many times I lived at her house. Loved all her brothers and sister like my own and her parents were two of the most wonderful people on this earth! I think Tammy and I experienced it all together and we had a fun time learning the "Whoa, that was fun's," to the "Whoa, let's never do that again's!"
Best friend #5: Your work BFF.
This is the BFF that you turn to when your day has just been crap-tastic! When you think everybody around you has turned against you, you go to this person. You plan meals at work around when you work together. You "bitch" to this person about everything that gets under your skin. And you let this person do the same in return. This BFF is one of the most sacred BFF's you will ever have.
My work BFF is Beth. When she and I work together, we are a force to be reckoned with. Nobody is going to push us around and we can get through ANYTHING together. We challenge each other and tug at each other's heart strings. She shares her beautiful grandson with me...we are Cheerios friends...and I share my husband (he helps her with odd jobs around her house, dont get any ideas!). I know that someday (soon) Beth is going to leave my side to go do her own thing and I am going to be left here...in the dust...to my own devices. I feel sorry for my other co-workers because I will have to take my frustrations out on them. They won't like it one bit. Beth always gives the BEST advice and always has a project for us to work on.
Best friend #6: Your parents.
Your friendships with your parents will come in waves of "I love and adore the very ground you walk on," to "I hate you and you make my life miserable." As you get older, you realize just how imporant your parents are and how much you really love them.
Big one for me here. One time I got so mad at my mom (for not letting me go somewhere) that I screamed "I hate you," and wouldn't come out of my room until I knew my dad was home. I don't really know why I thought that was going to help any because dad was the one that always gave the spankings. And they always hurt. A lot. Anyway, I started downstairs and dad came around the corner and stood at the bottom of the stairs and said to me, "If you hate your mother, then you hate me. You will not come out of your room until you can come and apologize to your mother." And he walked away. And I went back to my room. And cried. Of course I was about 8 years old and didn't want to hate my dad. At least not that day because he hadn't done anything to me yet!!! I ended up apologizing to mom and also to dad for saying bad things to mom. I will never forget that and I never said it again. Today, I would give up every thing I have, to have my mom and dad back. My heart pours adoring love for them everyday...especially since they're gone. I sure do miss them.
I am going to stop for now because well........that last one made me really sad and the last thing I want to do at work is sit and cry. But I probably will. Good thing the prisoners are asleep.
Until next time.....thanks for reading...and for being my friend!
Here's the link to what she posted but I will try to break it down for those of you that don't want to click on the link and read it for yourself. The types of best friends you will have in your life. For anyone that knows me, you know that I have a "problem" with having a "best friend." Now I think I know why. I have been trying to bring a best friend from one part of my life.....kicking and screaming.....through all parts of my life...when it's more than obvious she doesn't want to be there.
So here we go. Best friend #1: Your childhood best friend.
Rather than copy and paste...and getting my butt in the slinger for it...I will give you my rendition of each one. The childhood friend is basically your first friend. Maybe you became friends because your parents were friends, or maybe even relatives. You spent many nights at this friend's home, spending the night, playing games with their brothers, sisters and/or parents, broke the rules together, maybe even had imaginary friends that played together.
My #1 best friend was Stacey. We did EVERYTHING together! We spent the night at each other's homes. We ate bugs (June bugs at that!). We rode bicycles (and wrecked). We teeter-tottered on the most awesome teeter-totter in the world (that they still have, I believe!). We lived at the swimming pool when it was open. We got in trouble together (hard to believe, I know!). I loved Stacey like she was my very own blood sister (and still do!) and would do anything for her. Even though she and her neighbor Mindy, told me we were going to knock on the door at the other neighbor's house to see if their son could come out and play. What they didn't tell me was that as soon as we knocked, she and Mindy were going to high-tail it out of there and leave me standing there. To deal with the said boy's scary, mean mom. Sometimes I shudder thinking about that. And I don't know why either because the people were actually distant cousins at that time. But the mom scared me to death. She wasn't very happy either, when I realized they had hidden and left me to defend myself. I just looked at her and ran back to Stacey's house. Hahaha that WAS funny...NOW!
I will try to make these shorter, but you know how I am. Maybe I will make this a 2 parter. Yeah, that's what I'll do. Half of it tonight and half of it tomorrow night. -_- Maybe.
Best friend #2: Your high school BFF.
Your high school BFF is one of the best things...besides your education...that came out of high school! Your high school BFF is how you even got through some of those classes! The person you went to everyday at lunch to talk with. Told all your boy troubles to, your most embarrassing moments, who you skipped school with...did I just say that???
My high school BFF was Lenora. She was so fun to hang around. We stayed a lot of times, with her Grandpa and he would take us to the Skylark Cafe for breakfast. He was wonderful. Lenora's house was the first experience I had ever had eating rabbit. We all sat at the table eating, and afterward Lenora asked me if I liked it. Of course I liked it, I love food! When she told me it wasn't hamburger but it was rabbit, I kinda paused and said "Oh ok. It was good." And I think that was the ONLY time I have ever really liked it. I don't care for it now anyway. Maybe her mom or dad just knew how to cook it. I also remember helping her wash the dishes after dinner one night and she told me that when she first had to start doing the dishes, her mom made her wash ALL the dishes in their china cupboard one night because she didn't get ONE dish (I think it was a glass) cleaned good enough. Yikes, I was thankful we had a dishwasher then. At least it wouldn't have been MY fault if they didn't get clean!
Best friend #3: The kid next door.
This is any kids that lived in the neighborhood and you were "privy" to be friends with because you all lived in the same area and well...you were kinda stuck playing there.
My "kid next door" friend was Rodney. Although we didn't really live next door to each other, his dad was a Deputy for my dad and so our families spent a lot of time together. And they only lived two blocks away from us. I can remember being at their house almost every day. I loved his mom and dad like my own (and still do!) and couldn't get enough of his little sister Kim. I remember they had a Lite Brite and my parents never would get me one. I loved it. I wanted to go there and play with it everyday. Of course, Rodney didn't want to do that! He wanted to ride bikes and play in the dirt and things like that. We ended up doing that more than playing with the Lite Brite but man, I can remember that like it was yesterday.
Best friend #4: Your college BFF.
This is the person that you spend all your college time with. Could be someone from highschool...maybe your BFF...or maybe someone you have known forever...or maybe someone you met at college and a great friendship flourished. This is the person you go to parties with, scam on the guys with, or maybe even traveled with. This BFF helps you figure out who or what you want to be when you get out of college. You know, when you grow up.
I went to college but I didn't go to college for several years after high school. I was too much into partying and spending time with my BFF. So this is where I enter Tammy's name. Had we went to college, she would be my college BFF. Tammy and I had the same interests. Go to work, come home to change clothes, and be out the door again. There were many, many times I lived at her house. Loved all her brothers and sister like my own and her parents were two of the most wonderful people on this earth! I think Tammy and I experienced it all together and we had a fun time learning the "Whoa, that was fun's," to the "Whoa, let's never do that again's!"
Best friend #5: Your work BFF.
This is the BFF that you turn to when your day has just been crap-tastic! When you think everybody around you has turned against you, you go to this person. You plan meals at work around when you work together. You "bitch" to this person about everything that gets under your skin. And you let this person do the same in return. This BFF is one of the most sacred BFF's you will ever have.
My work BFF is Beth. When she and I work together, we are a force to be reckoned with. Nobody is going to push us around and we can get through ANYTHING together. We challenge each other and tug at each other's heart strings. She shares her beautiful grandson with me...we are Cheerios friends...and I share my husband (he helps her with odd jobs around her house, dont get any ideas!). I know that someday (soon) Beth is going to leave my side to go do her own thing and I am going to be left here...in the dust...to my own devices. I feel sorry for my other co-workers because I will have to take my frustrations out on them. They won't like it one bit. Beth always gives the BEST advice and always has a project for us to work on.
Best friend #6: Your parents.
Your friendships with your parents will come in waves of "I love and adore the very ground you walk on," to "I hate you and you make my life miserable." As you get older, you realize just how imporant your parents are and how much you really love them.
Big one for me here. One time I got so mad at my mom (for not letting me go somewhere) that I screamed "I hate you," and wouldn't come out of my room until I knew my dad was home. I don't really know why I thought that was going to help any because dad was the one that always gave the spankings. And they always hurt. A lot. Anyway, I started downstairs and dad came around the corner and stood at the bottom of the stairs and said to me, "If you hate your mother, then you hate me. You will not come out of your room until you can come and apologize to your mother." And he walked away. And I went back to my room. And cried. Of course I was about 8 years old and didn't want to hate my dad. At least not that day because he hadn't done anything to me yet!!! I ended up apologizing to mom and also to dad for saying bad things to mom. I will never forget that and I never said it again. Today, I would give up every thing I have, to have my mom and dad back. My heart pours adoring love for them everyday...especially since they're gone. I sure do miss them.
I am going to stop for now because well........that last one made me really sad and the last thing I want to do at work is sit and cry. But I probably will. Good thing the prisoners are asleep.
Until next time.....thanks for reading...and for being my friend!
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