An Homage to some Amazing Women

It's come to my attention in the past few days that I have some pretty incredible women in my life. I feel the need to tell the world how much they mean to me and how amazing and strong I think they all are.



First, I'm going to tell you all about my friend T*. When I met T, I felt an automatic connection- like she was a long lost family member, or a sister that I never knew I had. T is a mom of 2. Her son just graduated from, and her daughter is just entering high school. She raised them, basically, on her own, and they are some of the most amazing kids I have ever met. They're kids, so of course they aren't perfect, but they were raised with a sense of responsibility and respect that I just don't see in many people. She has so much to be proud of when she looks at them, but she'll never give herself credit. She's the friend that I know I can count on for anything and everything. Although I would NEVER ask, I know she would walk over hot coals for me- and she knows I would do the same for her. It's just understood. She has blessed my life in so many ways. I consider myself so lucky and priviledged to know her.



T got engaged to be married a couple of weeks ago. She met her (super hot) fiance while we were working together. They've been together only a year less than The Hubs and I, and have been through enough to know that they have what it takes to be there for each other forever. I can't put into words how happy I am for them. If I had a million dollars, I would give them the wedding that neither of them were able to have the first time around. They deserve nothing but the best.



Now let's talk about L. L has been my best friend since our freshman year of high school. We have had MANY ups and downs, but I can't imagine my life without her in it. (You know the movie Beaches? That's us, but I'm not rich.) She's been through an awful lot in her life. She's stronger than she gives herself credit for.... and as the years go by, she's finally starting to realize how much she is worth as a person. She can make me laugh like no one in the world I've ever met. We can go months without talking and pick up where we left off. She has been so supportive through my struggles with IF, even when she's had to go through some REALLY rough times herself. I would probably fall apart if I had to go through what she is going through right now, but I have to give her credit- I have never seen her stronger or more beautiful in all of the years I have known her than she is right now.



L is going to have a baby some time in October. She has so much love to give, this child doesn't stand a chance. She is going to be an amazing mother.



Last in this post, but definitely not least, is my sister, Em. Em has proven herself to be SO much stronger and dedicated than I ever imagined she could be. My little sister is going to school to be a special education teacher. She is spending her summer at a rotary camp taking care of kids/adults with mild- severe disabilities. She is putting in long, hard hours. She's sleeping in a cabin, swimming in a lake, and helping grown people bathe and use the restroom!



I'm so amazed at the things that she is doing. This summer has been hard on her, but she is more resolved than ever that this is how she wants to spend the rest of her life. I am so, so proud of her.



*I haven't asked T or L if they would mind if I posted their names, so I just posted their initials. If they're reading this, they know who they are.

Mercury must be in Retrograde

I have no idea what that means, but every time I hear it, it makes me think of people going crazy and bad things happening. It seems to me that the last few days have been that way....





I found out (reaffirmed?) that my husband's boss sucks at life. I'm not going to get into the nitty gritty here, but let's just say that he's completely two-faced has lost my complete respect. Again. And he was FINALLY starting to win it back after our big blow up 2 years ago. (Yes, I had words with my husband's boss. He contacted me via email and basically called me a bad wife. The Hubs almost quit and it actually almost came to blows.) The Hubs loves his job, though, so it REALLY sucks...... I hope that this turn of events isn't going to lead us down the road that I see it headed. Past behavior is the best predictor for future behavior,right? I'm so worried right now, I think I might puke.



A good friend of mine called the other night. I didn't pick up because I was sleeping, and I just figured he was on his way home from work (he's a chef) and forgot that I have a normal people job and get up in the morning. Turns out he was in a really bad way. His fiance had just freaked out on him, aborted his child, and returned the very expensive engagement ring that he bought her.... one day after the return policy was up. He's (understandably) torn into a million pieces right now, and there's not a darn thing I can do about it. I can't even give him a real hug, because he's in FL and I'm in OH. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.... he's such an amazing person and would have been an incredible father. He really wanted that baby.............................



Another amazing friend and co-worker came up to me today to tell me about some problems she was having with her boyfriend. She is such a strong person, and to see tears glistening in her eyes almost brought me to my knees.



I love being the person that my friends turn to for advice. I love being the person that will lend an ear and a shoulder. I love knowing that people think I'm dependable and knowledgable enough to share their problems with. I love feeling like I'm helping. I HATE, however, hearing that my friends are in a bad way and not being able to do ANYTHING to fix it. Why can't everyone just be happy all the time? A little drama here and there is ok, but I just don't understand how some people can be so CRUEL... especially to people who are so amazing.