(43-200) We Are Family

"Milestone, milestone, who's reached a milestone?"   "It's me, it's me; Uh-huh, uh-huh. Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh, 200 posts!  As if my lil introduction  wasn't already given it away; today marks another milestone for me and the labor of love that is the 43 series of "The Bumpy Ride;" as I have now been 43 for 200 days; and this is my 200th consecutive post. 

When I first began the 43 series, I told you that I was going to write every day, so that I could document what I did with the year that possibly could have been my last.  Reflecting on the past 200 days  I would have to say that of all of the lessons that I've learned thus far; and all of the experiences that I've had - my most rewarding accomplishment has been building a relationship with my cousin Jackie and her family.  With this being said; I'm sure that you can imagine how full my heart is to be able to write this 200th post from Jackie's home; after spending a wonderful weekend together.

Although Jackie and I have been in daily contact with each other over the past three months; we certainly didn't learn everything and anything there was to know about each other; and I have to say that I am blown away by all of the similarities that we share.  Not only personality traits, (and there are MANY;) but our likes and dislikes too.  From our preference for whipped cream cheese, to disliking sand; or having our feet feel dry from the sand; to our love of ribs and barbecue pork lo mein the commonalities were endless.  I could go on and on but for brevity's sake (YES, brevity) the last mutual pleasure that I'll mention is our passion for Broadway shows.  Big deal one might say.  Lots of people enjoy Broadway shows; and this is true.  But the amount of knowledge that we both have about past Broadway shows; is uncanny.  I think that we could sit and talk for hours on end, JUST about Broadway shows; and I am delighted about that.

This weekend has been AMAZING in so many ways; and I have to say that Jackie feels more like a sister to me than a cousin; and I feel so blessed to  be able to say, we are family.     
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-106) A Blueprint for a B.F.F

I picked the kids up on campus today (even though the Art Nazi is gone;) and while I was there, one of Kelsie's friends came running over to give her a hug goodbye; and said "See you tomorrow B.F.F"  I wonder if my kids would believe me if I told them that even when I was back in elementary school, we used to write B.F.F. on notes that we would pass to friends.  Yes, I've had my share of B.F.F's over the years; or at least friends who I thought would be friends forever; but sometimes that just isn't possible.  Just like I wrote in "Nothing Much," sometimes people grow apart; and it doesn't minimize how much they cared for each other or erase the memories that they shared; it just means that sometimes friendships change.

In reflecting on my 43 years of life, and what it means to have a friend and be a friend; I have come up with a blueprint of what it really takes to be a B.F.F. and here's my DISCLAIMER:

I am absolutely, positively, NOT writing about any one in particular; but sharing my general points of view on the matter.

A best friend is someone that you're always happy to see or hear from, and someone that you always want to make time for.  

A best friend is someone who sticks with you in good times and in bad. 

A best friend will stand by you when you're in a jam; and try to help you find solutions for your problems.  A best friend looks out for your best interests and tries to help whenever possible.

A best friend doesn't always tell you what you want to hear; sometimes they tell you what you NEED to hear.  There are enough people in this world who are willing to yes you to death, or let you walk around with toilet paper on your shoe or broccoli in your teeth; but a BEST Friend; should tell you the truth whether you're going to like it or not, and you should welcome them to; because if they really are your best friend, they are speaking from a place of sincerity,  love and concern.  A best friend shares their opinion even if it's contrary to yours and then needs to respect your choices, even if they don't agree with them. 

A best friend is someone with whom you can enjoy life's simple pleasures.  You don't always have to be going, running, doing; to be able to enjoy the time that you share. 

A best friend is someone with whom you have common interests, goals, values and ideals.   You don't have to have come from the same place, but you are heading in the same direction.

A best friend is someone that is aware of all of your
attributes and shortcomings and loves you anyway. It's someone that accepts you for exactly who you are, and doesn't try to change you. Someone that you feel you can tell your biggest secrets, worst embarrassments, greatest joys and all of your dreams to; because they're not going to judge you.

If you are married; I would hope that your spouse is your best friend; since he / she is the person that you are most intimate with. By saying my "Best" friend it connotes that you could only have one; because only ONE person can be the best at something; but I say that a person should count themselves lucky to have as many individuals as possible that meet the above mentioned blueprint of a B.F.F.  I myself am VERY blessed to have my husband and the honest, supportive, nurturing, patient,true friends that grace my life and I hope that you can all say the same.                                       

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING