November Rain

I know. It's odd to be mourning November in May.

No, it's not the month of November that I am referring to, but rather, one of my newest friends here in Yakima. You see, November recently announced that she and her family will be moving back to Chicago at the end of this month. When I heard the news, I felt like pitching a fit like my 3-year-old. Initially he likes to hit someone, then throw something, and then finish with an ear piercing scream, "YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME!"

Meeting friends at this stage in life is not easy. If you think about it, you typically meet your friends at school, college, or work because that is where you spend most of your time. And if that is still a true statement, then I guess I would have to say my best friend is Oprah. Or maybe Ellen. Nope, definitely Ellen. For one, that girl can really rock a blazer and I'm pretty sure Gayle keeps Oprah on a tight leash.

Although I spend a fair amount of time with Oprah and Ellen, I was really excited to meet November - last November. How appropriate. Initially we had a lot in common. Our kids went to the same school. We both had just moved from Chicago. Our husbands were physicians. We both have horrible Italian tempers. And we are practically twins. She just happens to be naturally blonde, about six feet tall and gorgeous. I, however, am blonde - but not naturally, five feet tall and older. Other than that...twins.

Don't get me wrong, I have a few friends here in Yakima, but November was the first friend that I could really connect with. You know, the kind of friend where you show up on her doorstep looking like a filthy freak (having not bathed in a couple of days) and sprawl out on her couch and talk about nothing and everything. Those are simply the best kind of friends.

I always thought of friends to be a little like fashion accessories - some stay with you for a season or two, and a small hand full stay with you for life. If you are anything like me, sometimes you mourn a friendship that you use to have and pain over what went wrong. Now that I am older, I have come to appreciate that all friendships - both short-lived and lifelong - define a particular season in your life. Friends seem to come into your life at just the right time. It has not even been a year, but she has been one of my biggest fans, a great listener, a shoulder to cry on, and someone who brings me excessive amounts of alcohol and food when I am feeling my absolute worst.

I laughed the other day, because since she announced she was moving, the only song I seem to hear is November Rain by Guns n' Roses. Seriously. That has to be a sign from God, because who the hell plays that anymore?

Well, I will definitely miss November all seasons of the year - but I know in my heart of hearts, she will be a good friend for life. It has also made me think about all the other friends who have come in and out of my life...but the memories never fade. Although too many to mention, here is a smattering of some of my favorite friends who have made an impact on my life, albeit too short!

Guy Rodriguez
I met Guy when we were about 4 or 5 years old. My first neighborhood friend, we lived just across from the ghetto. We were so poor, we had to share a single pair of strap on roller skates. We also set up an arts and crafts stand to sell our great creations - but, unfortunately, nobody ever bought anything. It goes without saying that neither of us ended up being artists. Guy is now happily married and an amazing TIGI hair stylist and owner of B&G House of Style in downtown Kennewick. If you want to get you "hairs did" - look him up and make an appointment.

Stacey Storm
Stacey and I met in kindergarten and she soon became my very first best friend. I remember one of our very first playdates (we did not call them playdates at that time...and I really hate that term now). We rode skateboards down her street on our bellies and she took off the better part of her chin. We shared many laughs and good times all the way through to the 8th grade. I will never forget that she taught me about saying "I'm sorry" - slumber parties, pink denim jackets, Bruce Springsteen, family dinners, and hunting for her father's Playboy magazines. Stacey just opened an office in Costa Rica...how cool is that?

Scott Chase
Scott was one of my favorite college friends. I'll never forget riding home from class on the back of his scooter, his famous broccoli cheddar Bisquick casserole, and his love of the power nap. He was goofy, hysterically funny and made me laugh more times than I can count.

Kelly Krieg
Kelly was my first east coast friend - which is both good and bad. She was a real hard ass bitch but loads of fun. I loved how she pronounced my husband's name "Laaaarry" with this really long "a" sound. I was in my very early 20s and she was in her 30s. She would always demand, "Make me feel young again!" when we were out drinking after work. Pretty mean, but totally likable, she was obsessed with Pottery Barn and the quest for the coziest sofa. I'll never forget when she moved back to Rhode Island. I asked her if we would stay friends. In her harshest east coast voice and attitude she replied, "why would we?"

Michael Bolen
Michael was one of the first guys I met in Chicago. He was the biggest, gayest Texan you'll ever meet. He closely resembled a big blonde Santa Clause with jolly red cheeks, a huge smile, and an infectious belly laugh like no other. When I introduced Michael to Larry, I remember he shook his hand, gave him a hug, and told him he wanted to "slop him up with a biscuit." Larry maintained a cautious distance from Michael from then on out. Although Larry was quite a sport and did accompany us to many Boys Town bars like the Man Hole.

Like I said, there are too many to list. I just want to say "thank you" to all the friends who have come in and out of my life. And thank you to Kristen and Ronda who have been there forever - you two are always there for me when I need  you the most - and I've needed you a lot! And Tina B...you are the best too! And November - you better get used to the phone sister! Just cause you are moving to Chicago doesn't mean you are getting rid of me! I will be visiting.

In closing, here are some of my favorite quotes about friends:

A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg
even though he knows that you are slightly cracked.- Bernard Meltzer

A true friend is one who overlooks your failures and tolerates your success.- Doug Larson

Friends are God's way of apologizing to us for our families.- Anonymous

A true friend stabs you in the front.
- Oscar Wilde

Love is blind; friendship closes its eyes.- Anonymous

Take some time to thank your friends today! What would we do without them?