Hiatus

Today I went to France for the adventure of a lifetime. You can read about it here.

J'aime mes amis...

I have wonderful friends.


We had a graduation party at our house last night for my brother and me. It was a wonderful opportunity to see all of my friends one last time before I leave for France. I was very, very drunk.


It dawned on me last night though, through my drunken tears and cheerful goodbyes, that friendship and family are absolutely the most important things in this world. My girls mean everything to me. They are my saviors, my inspiration, my fun. And last night I realized how lost I would be without them. They thank me for inspiration and support, and I just wanted to laugh; for none seem to realize that each and every one of them has let me become the person they love. They have encouraged me through the tough times, given me shoulders to cry on and ears to wine too. They have tolerated my ridiculous dreams and are more than willing to venture off alongside me despite my crazy antics. Those few ladies I keep closest to my heart are the most amazing women I know; they are caring and compassionate, wild but responsible, tough but soft. It’s amazing how complex women can be.


In that tacky movie Moulin Rouge (no offense to any huge fans out there), there is a line that’s worthy of remembrance: “There is nothing greater in this world than to love, and be loved in return.”


I love my girlfriends. And they love me. I could never thank them enough for all that they have done for me.

But it’s not just the ladies that I’m going to miss.

I need a lot of men in my life. What can I say? J’adore tous les mecs! I find that I am happiest being around – and part of – that bond that men share with each other. There’s nothing else like it in the world. Women, for whatever reason it is (I don’t doubt for a minute that females can love each other as much as men do), can never have something even close to the relationship good male friends have. It’s absolutely fascinating to watch.


When I was in high school, I found myself the only girl hanging out with those all-boy prep-school Johnie’s, and my God did I love it! With their little boys’ drinking clubs and silly high school drama, they would do absolutely ANYTHING for each other. And they had fun doing EVERYTHING together.


When we all went our separate ways (and yes, those boys are still the best of friends), I found myself a part of another little boys’ drinking club. I was, for a solid two years, brother Cat. Or the first lady, depending on which man of power I was dating ; ) There is nothing – NOTHING – like a frat. Granted, I swear all the men who survive pledge term are brainwashed, but at least they’re brainwashed to commit their lives to each other. It’s a little creepy, but it’s also amazing. These guys had been through the best and the worst together, and now they had an intense bond for life – and a much closer bond than I think any other circumstance would allow.


Now I get my testosterone fix from hanging out with a bunch of crazy Italian chefs. I love the way they care about each other – they’re amazing friends to each other, will back each other up no matter how foolish their actions may be (like getting into fist fights for no good reason), and are always up front in calling each other out on shit. It’s just wonderful – and absolutely hilarious – to watch. What can I say? Boys are a good time. They REALLY know how to have fun.

Awww… I love my life.