Thank you!

So, yesterday I was feeling really nostalgic and wanted to talk to friends I haven't touched base with in a long time. I called Jill. She's been my best friend since elementary school and even though the years have separated us by miles, I know I can ALWAYS count on her! Yesterday was no different. We were talking family, friends, life and lessons. I was expressing my discontent with where my life is now, in terms of my career and lack of a love life, and knowing it's not where I'm supposed to be. Jill reminded me that even if this is not what I'm supposed to be doing forever, it is offering me time to pursue creative interests, such as photography, painting, sketching, etc. She also suggested that if I do this, I may meet someone that has similar interests as me. She's a smart girl and I'm blessed to have her in my life! Thank you, Jill!!! I love you and miss you!

I also called Vicki. She's been a dear friend for almost 20 years (YIKES! - am I really that old?) and she's been having a tough time, too. She's doing great now and I couldn't be more happy for her. She's the kind of girl that would do anything for anyone because she's just that unselfish and she truly cares about people. She's very kind and thoughtful and a lot of fun to be around. I'm glad she's found a little happiness and she's enjoying it for all it's worth! You deserve nothing but the best, Vicki!!! I love you and miss you, too!

I wanted to talk to Linda, but she wasn't feeling well. I'll try her again later in the week. We became friends many moons ago, but have remained friends despite all the crap that we've been through. She's had a tough go of it, too, but she's a smart and resourceful girl who doesn't take any crap from anyone. Linda has a wicked sense of humor that I admire. I hope to talk to her soon...

Crystal wasn't home when I called her. I hope her mother-in-law's condition is improving. She and Torry, her son, have been friends of mine for a hundred years, too. We used to have game nights at Crystal's house and Torry and I would always team up and kick Crystal and Hamilton's butt at Catch Phrase. Yeah, we rock!!! LMAO! I met Crystal and Torry when they'd come down to the Newsstand (where I worked) and we'd talk for hours. You wouldn't think a young kid and a 20-something would have anything to talk about, but he'd hang out and we'd just chat away. His mom and I were the same way. Now Torry is set to graduate college in May with a Criminology degree and is pursuing his dream of being a State Trooper. I find it hard to believe so much time has passed, but I couldn't be prouder of him and his accomplishments.

My mom and her fiance are no longer together. It came out of nowhere and knocked her for a loop. Now she has to find an apartment and put her life back together. I told her living alone isn't a bad thing at all and I hope she takes my advice and does it for a long while so she can find out who she is and learn that her happiness isn't based on having someone in her life. True happiness comes from within and if you believe that you're not whole because you're single, you are in for a rude awakening when you try to fill your void with another person. It doesn't work like that; never has, never will.

Howard (my other brother) wasn't home. I'll try him later in the week. Their work week has shifted to 4-12 hour days, Friday through Sunday off. I haven't talked to him in a while. I gotta check in on him and make sure he's doing OK.

My grandma is a big, hot mess - LMFAO! She's the sweetest and I love her to pieces. She (and I) get so excited on Sunday evenings because we know we get to talk to each other then. She sits by the phone and waits for us to call, too. Hamilton and I are the only ones who call her regularly and she just soaks it up. She tries to tell me everything that's happened in the week prior to our call, but sometimes she just forgets details. I tell her to write it down - hell, even I forget and I'm a bit younger than she! LOL!!! She's too cute and I cherish every moment I get to talk to her and be with her. We hope to come home for a visit in September, but would like to surprise her. She's getting antsy about seeing us and is thinking of coming out here with her sister over the summer if we can't get there. I think they're just full of talk, but I wouldn't put anything past her. When she sets her mind to something, she'll do it and you better not be in her way!

Shaye and I have reconnected after about a 5 year hiatus. She was my neighbor in North Carolina for a few years. She's doing well, but her phone is being an asshat! There's a predominant hum that makes it impossible to carry on a conversation for long without getting a headache. I hope it clears up soon, because there's so much more I want to talk to her about. It's been 5 years, after all, and a lot has changed for her.

Well, that's my story. I better get ready for work now.