2 Birthdays, 2 Friends, 1 Date, 1 Name, True Friendships

Today, I happen to have 2 friends turning 28. Same date. 2 really incredibly friends. At one point of my life, these 2 women, were both extremely important to my life. Funny thing is, they even share the same name!

When I was a kid, my first friend, she was my best friend. I can tell you so many stories about the 2 of us growing up together. Hilarious stories! Some that found us in the most awkward positions. Yes, even I have a bit of a wild streak. Heck, the 2 of us, well we faced lots of really big moments together...it's called puberty! :/ Unfortunately, we grew apart...

You see, her parents divorced. Then her mom started dating someone else. In the mix, we made the step into middle school. My parents sent me to a different district. And before long, she was living across town. If that wasn't bad enough, she later moved across the country! Do you see where this is going?

And as hard as 2 teenagers could try, we just drifted apart. I still think of her. Especially now that I call the SE my home at least 70% of the time. But I haven't seen her in at least 12 years! No lie. I've talked to her on the phone a few times. Even e-mailed her a time or 2. We tried really hard to keep in touch. But it just didn't happen.

I really do blame myself a lot for that. Because you know, I could have done better. Heck, I found her on Facebook not too long ago. I've even failed at keeping in touch there. I know. I suck as a friend! Real bad. I know. I know it in the deepest part of my soul.

Funny thing is, I got to be really good friends with her ex-boyfriend. Isn't it funny how life works? I don't really remember how it all started, but we would IM each other all the time. Literally, we'd chat daily. He'd tell me about the 2 of them. Send me pictures. It was really great getting to know him. And getting to hear about her. Then they broke up. I never asked about the details. Now we don't chat as much. But e-mails are still sent regularly. He's become a really good friend.

And today, it's her birthday. I posted a little Happy Birthday message. I wanted to call her. But for the love of God, I don't know what I did with her phone number. I'd really like to reconnect with her. You know, and have a good friendship again. I miss everything that our friendship was once about. Even if it would just be some e-mails, letters, or a phone call every once in a while.

Crazy how so much has happened in the last 12 years. Like she's married now. I'm in this serious relationship with My Guy. I've been battling the Big C. God only knows what else she's been through. We just haven't connected. Weird how that happens...

My second friend, with the same name, and same birth date...well we're really close. I almost lost her a few months ago. Remember the horrific car crash? Well, she is facing another surgery. Her baby girl, she's still in the NICU. And Lord help me, but I want to shower them both with L-O-V-E!!!

It's crazy how God sends us on a certain path. To meet people. People that really change our lives. This woman, she's done that to me. Not just because she is my bestie. Or that I'm her daughter's Nana. But because we just have each other to lean on. I love that about friendships. They really do make you grow as a person. :)

I think about that a lot. I have this best friend that is just amazing. She surprises me with her strength. And the love that she still has for people, after everything that she's gone through...well it shocks me. To my core. But then again, people can just be amazing. I've learned that though lots of trial and error. The best of friends, are the ones you never saw coming.

So on this day...January 31st...I wish these 2 beautiful women a very Happy Birthday! I have a few other friends, who are also celebrating today. Crazy how popular January 31st is! You know who you are. I don't love you any less. But these 2 women...well it just shocks me how similar they are. In so many ways. Happy Birthday Friends!!! ♥

Much Love Illy Giveaway

One of my favorite Etsy shops, thanks to Mrs. Gabi, is Much Love, Illy! OMG! She has got some of the cutest items ever! Did you read that? Ever!!!

So I almost died when I saw the giveaway on The Daybook. Seriously?!?!?! So hurry up and go enter. I'm sure it's ending soon. You know, you would just love a piece or 2, from this wonderful shop!

Oh, and in case I failed to tell you, you can win a $25 credit to this shop. No damn lie! I'm in love. Yes I am!!! Good luck everyone!!! ♥

Beautiful Cuff

I came across this beautiful cuff this morning. I had to just sit down and look at all the pictures. So pretty. I can imagine wearing it with so many different outfits. Dressy and casual. Now if I just had $60, that I didn't need right now. :) But seriously, this is such a pretty cuff. All the beautiful colors, they just make my soul smile. ♥

Commander in Chic

This little beauty, has been a favorite of mine for a while now. So much so, I think I'm on my 4th bottle. OK, so I kinda lost bottle #3. But it was half empty. You know, during the mad rush to the hospital in December. Nonetheless, I'm in love!

The color is gorgeous. Somewhere between a grey and a lavender. Mmm, just a beauty! And the actually nail polish formula is a dream. As is the application. Yes, it's a perfect little bottle! And it's available at the drugstore...for under $6!

And since it's Sunday, and I'm with My Guy, well I just wanted to share one of my favorites. You know, in this quick post. Because, I've got some incredible plans with My Guy today. That is, if we could be bothered to actually get up and leave the house. To be home...it's an incredible feeling. :) Maybe I'll repaint my nails with my brand new bottle of Commander in Chic! You know, while chilaxing in bed. Happy Sunday! ♥

He's Got A Way...

In case you don't know it, I love My Guy! Full heartily love this man! Yes, the one that is fast asleep right here. Face palm, hair sticking up, curled up in the blankets. I LOVE HIM! And just getting to see him, that just made my entire week! Have I mentioned just how much I've missed him?

Lately, things have been nuts! Honest to goodness...life has just been crazy. My Dad being this sick, has really thrown us all for a loop. Who would have thought he would spend days in the ICU. Especially for Christmas? Christmas was celebrated sometime between Christmas and New Year's Day. Yes, it took us days to get through our few gifts, that we bought and wrapped. You know, since we spent all our prime shopping days in the hospital. We were all that wiped out...

But then, you have me and My Guy. Our plans were just murdered. Seriously. He snuck around the hospital. You know, so I could cry on his shoulder. And he could hold me, and tell me that everything was going to be OK. You know, between praying for my Dad, talking to friends and family, and making sure my Mom was OK. Did I mention? I don't think I've slept more than 4 hours at a time, in well over a month. So to say, that we've totally skipped out on life and the holidays...well that is a HUGE understatement.

But then, My Guy is pretty incredible. And super understanding. He totally gets that I need to be with my family right now. And that our pile of gifts could wait until...well I don't know when. My Guy also understood, that this was not the time, to meet my entire family. Nor my Dad.

Fast forward a bit. This weekend. It had been circled on the calendar for a while. No. Not because, it is officially the first day he had off, since going back to work. Nope. His sister is getting married. As in later today!!! :)

I worked out some minor details with my Mom. Told my Dad that I had a "work thing" that I couldn't miss. And I caught a flight out east. Yesterday, I felt like a 5 year old on Christmas morning. Just waiting, to see the man I love. Yes. I was that lady! :)

And he didn't disappoint. No way Jose! We managed some quiet time. You know, between all the wedding stuff, and family stuff. And we just hung out. Caught up on life. To be honest, I just wanted to cuddle. To be safe in this man's arms once again. It was definitely the way to spend our night.




This song, it just reminds me of My Guy. This amazing man that I love. And that loves me with all his heart. I know this. Not just because he tells me all the time. But because he shows me all the time. I'm truly blessed. Even if, we just have this weekend to spend together...

It's been a tough month for my family. For me. And for our relationship. But there is always so much love, between My Guy and I. It doesn't matter if there are a billion miles between us. We know we have each other.

I feel like nothing, could ever, go really wrong. As long as My Guy is standing right beside me. He makes life amazing. And so fun! If I haven't already said this a million times, I'm a very lucky woman. Just to know that there is a human being, that loves me this much. So much, that I see it in his eyes, every time that he looks at me. I feel it in his arms, every single time he holds me. And it's in his voice, every single, solitary time that we talk. I just know that he loves me. And that folks, is what helps me through all the tough days. The Big C, Dad's health emergency, life...he's just got this way about life, that let's me know, just how much he loves me. At the end of the day, I can't ask for anything more. ♥

National Hug Day 2011

Did you know that today is National Hug Day? Thanks to a quick e-mail check, which lead to some AOL article that I read, and another link that I followed...I found out the news. Is it good or bad? Not sure...

You see, I'm not a traditional "hugger." Nope. I was that little girl that ran from people. You know, at the mere sight of the impending hug. Yes, I would run and hide. All to avoid a hug. Why? Who the heck knows! Our closest of friends, had no special place in "my circle of huggers." Nope. That was simply for my parents, grandparents, and my Auntie Chuchie. That's it!

But as I've gotten older, I pretty much crave a good bear hug. Or those really meaningful hugs, from the people that you love. Regardless, if it's a close family friend, family member, or you know...My Guy. Hugs are now a very welcomed part of my life. So when you see your close friends and family today, don't be afraid to hug. It's actually a really great thing to do! And I promise you...you will survive it. :) You might even enjoy it! ♥

Missing My Mister

It's been a while since I've seen My Love. Kinda cheesy, huh? But it's the truth. The entire quiet holiday, that we had planned, never happened. To be 100% honest, My Guy and I still haven't celebrated Christmas, or New Year's. But he understands. And loves me. That in the end, is all that matters.

This past week, he returned to work. Working his booty off. And he seems both anxious, and nervous about it. I can relate. I fully heartily understand. But at the same time, I'm pretty excited. And I'm all about cheering on my most favorite guy on the planet!

I'm also quite excited for this weekend. My Guy's sister is tying the knot. And I'm headed out east. To go to this wonderful event. Oh, and to finally see My Guy!!! I also hear that all of our "fur babies" are not happy, that their mommy has been MIA. I see lots of snuggling in my near future!

For all that life has recently thrown and my family and I, I'm so grateful for the man I love. My Guy is phenomenal. He's understanding. And most importantly, loving. That's why I fell in love with him. All that other stuff, that attracts so many others, it's not important to me. It never has been. It's this man's soul that makes me smile. :)

So excuse me while I get packed up. I'm so excited!!! To finally get to kiss my love, it's almost too much for me to handle. Yes, folks, I know I sound like a teenager in love. But it's been far too long, since I've laid my eyes, on the man I love. I hope you all have, an amazing weekend too! ♥