Friday, August 29, 2008

Singing Heals the Soul and a Splintered Friendship

Sometimes things happen along our life path and we fall. Sometimes, it is a literal butt-busting fall in front of many people. Sometimes we make choices and then have to live with the consequences. When I was younger, I had some really great friends. We were all very different and filled a place in each other's lives perfectly. Eileen has been my friend since I was 16 years old. I met her through my boys. We were the only two female members of the Black Knights (of course, all of our friends were complete dorks, in a very dark and amusing way). Eileen and I lost touch when she got married and moved away (while we were still very young). Years passed. Many things happened along the way.

In the fall of 1997, I was attending school at Alvin Community College after a rather unsuccessful run at UT (the second time). I sat down in my first Psychology class of the semester and out of the corner of my eye, I saw a slightly familiar face. It took me a minute to place, but I realized that it was Eileen. It took me several classes to actually talk to her, because, of course, I was SURE she would never remember who I was. If you don't know this about me - I have a weird affliction where I never think people remember me. Even people I went to school with my entire life. But, I digress...

Around that time, Eileen and I were both going through very hard times. She was in the middle of a very nasty divorce from her scum-bag husband. I had just had the love of my life (and my fiance) come out of the closet, only to disappear without a trace. God brings you people exactly when you need them. He brought us together, and to quote Forest Gump: "We was like peas & carrots!" We did everything together. She was my best friend and I loved her dearly.

A year or so later, I met the man who is now my husband. He and Eileen didn't always see eye to eye when it came to me and what was or was not in my best interest. I was young, and stupid. Over the course of the next year, Eileen and I started to drift apart. I don't really remember why, but one day we finally just reached a breaking point. Over an email, I did what I was known to do - I was brutally honest about all the things I had ever wanted to say. You can't come back from that place. It was over. It ended. And... I regretted it almost instantly, but was too stubborn to admit it.

For years I missed my friend desperately. By that time, I no longer knew how to find her. I didn't know where she was or what she was doing. From time to time I would try to Google her, find her on Facebook or MySpace, or just search the online directories. Sure, I probably could have just driven by her parents' house and asked them... but I could no longer remember the key to navigating their maze of a neighborhood. Then, a few days ago, I was randomly putting her name into the Facebook search bar and all of the sudden.... There she was!! I couldn't believe it!

I hesitated. I wanted to send her a request to be my friend but I was scared that she would still be angry. I was afraid that what I had said and done had been too much. I waited. I talked it over with my friend, who convinced me that I was being stupid, and what could it hurt! So... I sent the friend request. When I awoke the next morning I had 1 new notification. Eileen has accepted your friend request! On top of that... there was an email!! I was elated. We set up a time to get together and catch up.

Wednesday night, we made plans to meet up at Pinche's in Clear Lake. When she got out of the car she ran to me and gave me the biggest hug and said, "First thing - Everything that happened is water under the bridge!!!" Those words were music to my soul. Everything was right again and a piece of my shattered heart was mended. We went inside to find that the restaurant was now just a bar full of guys shocked to see two chicks. We went next door to Vito's for some food and adult beverages. As we walked in... we saw they were setting up for karaoke. I have been wanting to sing for so long.

After eating and drinking some... martinis... and then Jager shots... you know... for liquid courage, Eileen convinced me to sing. Actually... she wrote down the song I wanted and handed it to the guy, thereby keeping me from backing out. So... I sang. Let me preface by saying that people who go to karaoke are generally not good. When I started singing, people stopped and turned because they were trying to figure out where the music was coming from. I sang, and they applauded. I was shaking like a leaf, but I still sounded amazing, even to my own doubting ear. Eileen was thrilled and said, "they were all shocked it was actually you singing and not the radio." Ahhh... flattery will get you everywhere!! After a few more Jager shots (I believe there were 6 in total), I was sufficiently intoxicated and sang again.

This time... people danced and screamed. It was SO much fun. When I sat back down, the girl behind me said, "OMG You are AWESOME!!! I want to sing, but I'm not following YOU!" That was so cool. I ended up singing a third song before it was all said and done. I had a really great time and my soul felt whole again.


I won't go into the details of what happens when two 30-something women go out drinking and stay out past their bedtimes, but let's just say we aren't 20 anymore. But, I had an awesome time with my friend, and I am so thrilled that she is back in my life. I am also thrilled that I overcame my fear of singing in front of people. I am looking forward to the next time!!!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

A New Day... a New Blog

Good Morning loyal readers!! I have decided to create another blog to help sort out a new book I am writing. This is all about my life and misadventures at a previous job. If you would like to check it out, please Click Here.

Please feel free to comment along the way and let me know what you think!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

The Cubes

Some people may say I have too much time on my hands... but I choose to say I am highly creative, if not always productive. I have decided to create a diorama of cubicles within my cubicle. Sort of like Office Space, but on my desk. It's a social commentary, really. So, here is what I have come up with so far:

"Breakroom Breakdown"


Is he suicidal, or just angry about the 1 donut per employee rule? Who knows, really.


"We can't figure out why Sales are down..."



Hmmm... I bet I can guess why....

"Hostile Takeover"

I am in charge now, buddy!

Feel free to comment and let me know what you think!