'Tis The Season

It's two days before Christmas, and it's around this time that I start getting schmoopy. What can I say, it gets to my soft mushy center.

It's been a really wild, emotional year. I got back a dear friend, had some one I thought was a friend turn their back and go, lost one I knew was a friend to Heaven, had another friendship evolve (and be tested) in the most surprising ways, and learned that my best friends just might know me better than I know myself. So this Christmas, I'm going to count the people in my life as my gifts......

Chloe, my gorgeous, smart, mature beyond her years daughter. Sure she's a pain in the ass to live with sometimes, but so am I. She's not afraid to call me on my shit, and hug me when I need it. She's my whole heart, my forever and always.

Kathy, who's lovely late husband Lu was right - she and I hit it off immediately and found a soul mate in each other. I lost her once because I listened to the wrong person. I thank Lu for bringing us back together. I thank Kathy for forgiving. I thank God for helping me be smarter because of it.

Dave and Brandon because they always listen to my girl brain and understand.

Marc, who is determined, kind, and patient enough to not let me blame myself, even when I'm hellbent on doing so. You continue to surprise me. Thank you, Cowboy, for valuing me and our friendship.

The three best friends anyone could ever ask for - Elaine, Dorothy, and Melinda. You are my laughter, my litmus test, my shoulders to cry and lean on, my sanity, my safe place to fall. You don't judge me (even when it'd be easy to), you give it to me straight (even when I don't want to hear it), and you see who I really am (especially when I can't). I'd be lost without you three gorgeous women.

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.