The Importance of a Friend

...and then he asked her the question no one knows how to answer. "Well then, what would be the perfect job for you?" And so, later, over a glass (or two) of amazing wine at Kir, we discussed it. What would it look like, feel like? How would it be to go to work every day knowing that you were making a difference? Contributing a part of yourself to the world? Do something you believe in? Something you could do that would allow you to answer the question 'what do you do' with pride...all this and still be able to pay your bills and maybe buy that skirt hanging in the window.

And from that topic, we, half buzzed and now fluid, moved along the line of questions that haunt the average twenty-something. What am I doing here (in this town, in this world, with this man, in this skin?) And after answering them the best we could, and playing the Devil's advocate on each others scenarios or declarations, we paid the bill, hugged that long lovely hug that means so much more than just a squeeze, that means I get you, I know how you feel when you are in a room full of people and still feel alone, or when you look up at the stars and feel minute, or gaze across the room at a stranger and wonder if their heart feels empty too. That hug meant thank you. It meant connection. It meant I'm so lucky to have you in my life.

Hot Chili on a Chilly Day!

Throw a bunch of stuff in the crockpot and let it sit there for the entire day and what do you get? Spicy chili enough to feed two bike racers, one pregnant lady, a guy who has been working on his house for two days and me, a voracious eater. And that's it. No leftovers.

After dinner, C. said to me "I think we should just keep the crockpot out all winter, don't you?" And, he's right. It is the perfect cooking tool for winter meals. Lately, the days have brought cold winds, days of rain, and cold mornings. Even though Fall has just began, Oregonians are already preparing for Winter. It's really all the same to us. Once we have that last warm summer day and the rains come, it doesn't really matter if it's 60 degrees or 40. So, get out your crockpot and warm up!

And here's to friends and sunshine

It's amazing what an evening of friend's advice, Cava bubbly, and chocolate creme puffs can do for the depressed spirit. And not to mention two warm and sunny days in a row.

I highly recommend it.

Thanks ladies and vitamin D!