Why my friends are SO much cooler than yours

I get paragraphs like this in e-mails from them:

"so, i waited to reply after reading your email last night because i wanted to say something meaningful and inspiring, but then i got all jacked up on a bag of hot tamales (the candy, not the mexican dish made of chopped meat, crushed peppers and a doughy outside layer) and then i passed out on the couch whilst coming down off the sugar high."

Tell me that doesn't just make your day. Tell me! You can't. Because you'd be lying.

I *heart* Jessie Bonner

Jessie and I send each other Christmas presents every year.

It kinda started during our first Christmases as working adults. Jessie came to RI to spend the holiday and we had the Bestest Christmas ever.

That year, we started the tradition of sharing an ornament. Each year, we alternate sending an ornament to the other person, and keeping an identical one for ourselves.

Anyway, last year, Jessie decided to start a new tradition it seems (let's pray it's not though). She gets me Christmas pins.

Yes. Those tacky, red and green, light up, shiny, glittery, Christmas pins that pop up this time of year. Last year's pin was kinda classy.


I got my Christmas pin from her for this year, today.


Yes, that is a transgendered snowman/woman in a tulle skirt with heels, purse and a hat. You see it right.

As is custom, I put the pin on as soon as I ripped it from it's packaging. I'll be wearing it all day today, and probably at any Christmas themed function (such as decking G.Lee's tree) I attend. Oh, the pin will be in full effect.

So, Jessie's gift reminded me that presents are fun. Like, I always laugh when I get something from her. And I love that. She sent me this the weekend of her birthday. Yes, she gave me something on her birthday! And I love it.

You see the potatoes this man is packing? I heart him, too.

Anyway, I gotta get back to work, but I just wanted to post a quick ode to Jessie and her fantastic presents and how great she is. Because she's super fantastic. You should have a friend like Jessie in your life. Promise it'll make yours better.

Ole`

Meet Miguel.

He's my new boo. We met last weekend when I was vacationing in St. Petersburg, Fla. with my girl, Jessie.

We'd just come from Poynter and were on our way to the hotel to get ready for some outing when I spotted them.

*Gasp*

"Look, Jessie -- MARIACHI'S!"

I fumble with my camera to try to get a photo of the group of Hispanic men in small yellow jackets as they crossed the street. By the time I was poised to take the picture, they were almost out of sight.

I pouted for 1/2 a second.

Then Jessie screeches to a halt in a waiting parking spot.

"Go!" she screams and I look at her for a second, dazed. "They're still there. WE CAN CATCH THEM."

This, my friends, is why I love Jessie.

So we scramble out of the car and run toward the mariachi's. They have really crossed the street now and I reason there's no way I can catch up with them.

"He's coming back," Jessie yells.

I look to my left and there he is.

Miguel.

I accost him and ask for a photo. He obliges. Jessie takes one, too.

We scamper back to our car, but not before wishing Miguel and his bandmates a good show.

Back in the car, we grin at our good fortune and vow our love to the one and only Miguel.