As you get older you start to become familiar with, even content with the idea of attrition. The thinning of the herd. The falling away of what doesn’t feed your soul anymore. You no longer feel the need to be liked by everybody. And people you thought would be in your life forever become strangers to you. You start to have more vacancies than applications for the lead roles in your life. You’ve been burned, you’re less apt to trust or frankly just give up some up your precious energy for people you don’t even know. You don’t expect to meet people later in your life that will become such a big part of your life. It’s just not common. And I suppose it would take an uncommon person to be that rare bird. Just over one year ago I met Kim and we’ve been tried and true homies ever since. I admire the way she can organize me and redirect me without making me feel disorganized (but we all know I am). I envy how she can swing a hammer and slip into heels all in the same day. She’s sweet but she’ll tell you like it is, then tell you a dirty joke right after. She makes me feel so worthwhile, as if she has known me her whole life, as if her life depends on our combined sanity – indeed it’s sometimes the only sanity we can count on. She’s had a tough year culminating only in her getting tougher. I’m grateful to the powers that be for sending her my way so late in the game. It has really made the game worth playing. And she’s got a great ass ; )

It’s her birthday today and sometimes the best gift is to tell someone how much they mean to you. Happy Birthday Kim. ♥