Shout out to My Pal Tracey

Life is too short not to appreciate your friends... and although I have never met Tracey in person, she is one of the best friends I have ever had! She made the first contact- offering to keep everyone up to date on the message boards we frequent as to when and how Ava made her grand appearance. She did just that- and I am so thankful.

Flashback: My water broke at around 10:15 on a Monday night... I showered and called Tracey. Keep in mind that this is the first time we ever spoke in person! She was all like "Who is this Southern voice I hear?! (She had such a great Valley Girl Accent)" I immediately became intimidated (Never told you that-- I guess you know now, right T?) because of all my attributes, my deep Southern drawl is my least favorite. We chatted a few, I told her the details I knew at the time (something like "oh dookie my water broke, I'm heading to the hospital, tell everyone!") and I signed off. Ava was born, and four months later here we are- still jabbering like we've known each other forever.

Let me tell you this: I am such a social little butterfly. I was a shy kid, but now- I'll talk to anyone! On the other hand, I'm still such a shy little chickie, it's almost pathetic. What a condundrum, ey? Nonetheless, Tracey and I have carried on an online friendship to the point that it's unreal how much we know each other and how much we are alike.

Here's the skinny: Her sister is named Debbie-- Jef had a sister named Deby (who knows less about me than Debbie!). I was a single mom (although I was married technically, but when you see that person less than once a week it doesn't count). Tracey is a go getter-- and when I can overcome my bouts of shyness so am I! We love animals- Sassy T has a dog and a cat (and they are SOOO cute- check out her post!) and so do I! Although my mom has the yorkie in the family, mom's dog Gidget and Tracey's dog Bessie are just so similar... more than a co-inkie-dink I believe. I always saw mom's dog as my "seester". Haha! Cats are so me too-- just ask Chip, my gato. Then there is the inherent love of cloves... ok, so maybe that's an inside joke! By any means- Sassy T is my kindred spirit. And doggone her butt, she's a west-coastie and I'm an east-coastie. I guess brillance needs to be kept at a certain distance!! Heaven knows we'd take over the world if we were meshed together!

Well chickie-poo, this blog is for you (Glass clinks, my hand holds a nice, yet affordable, glass of white wine high in the sky up to you!). CHEERS!!

Although we have never met face to face, you are such an inspiration to me. You dare to go where I have feared to tread. You believe in yourself where I cannot see myself as going. You are a sister, a friend, and a wonderful kindred-spirit to me. You're my better half, set free in wine country with the willpower not to drink all the fruit of the vine. You are a true friend- Thank you, for all you are and all you do!

Aradia