Today is my last day before I move to Connecticut from California after almost six. I’ve met a lot of wonderful people, and I’ll miss them all, but I wanted to say a special goodbye to some of the friends and family who mean the most to me here.
My Father-In-Law, Pat
Pat is generous to a fault, ridiculously tolerant of others, and extremely forgiving. Over the years I’ve passed no fewer than four of our pets on to Pat, and he’s loved even the most unlovable among them. My daughters love him wildly. I would not hesitate to call him if I were stranded somewhere, and the last time I flew back to California from Connecticut, he picked me up at LAX at 1:30am even though he had to work the next morning at 5. He’s not the type to say “I love you” or “I’m proud”, yet there is something so warm and loving about him you just know without a doubt that he does. So thank you Pat, for being a wonderful father, grandfather, and father-in-law. I love you. And what’s not to love about this?
My friend Christina
Christina has a very special talent that enables her to complain about just about anything. Comment on the beautiful weather, and she’ll complain that she can’t wear her hoodie. It’s actually a rather endearing quality and she has a good sense of humor about it. She’s the most dedicated teacher I know, and I have tremendous respect for her professionally. Plus, her husband is on my highly regarded Top 10 Funniest People I Know list. She has twin boys now, and I have two kids, so things are a little different, but she’s been a really good friend. We couldn’t be more different, but I love her just the same. I’ll miss you so much Christina.
Right: Christina–wearing her hoodie, of course–with her twin boys.
My friend Megan
Megan pushes me creatively and challenges me intellectually. She’s the Lucy to my Ethel (albeit a post-Little Ricky Lucy who couldn’t get into too much trouble), and she’s way more hip than I’ll ever be. Her house is sort of like a museum, filled with interesting things you’re just not cool enough to have in your own house. She and her equally hip husband have a cat, Abigail, whom they’ve not only assigned a very human personality but also a very human voice. It’s too bad I’m moving, because although Megan currently refuses to do the Abigail voice for me, I’ve been inching closer and closer to persuading her to do it. All I needed was a few more months and the aid of a few margaritas, and I’d be having a very intellectual exchange with Abigail.
Frank
Frank is the guy you call to ask if he knows a guy that knows how to: fix a dishwasher; replace an alternator; repair termite damage; move your entire household across the country; etc., but instead of referring you to someone else, he’s over in an hour to do it himself. He’s one of the warmest, most generous people I know. He’s got two solid, grounded sons and a baby granddaughter who is sure to adore him and incredibly lucky to have him. He’s everything you would want in a friend, in a dad, or in a repairman,. My husband and I are eternally grateful to him and will miss him immensely. Thank you Frank, for everything.
I can't believe you talked about the abigail voice ON YOUR FREAKING BLOG, YOU BASTARD. I only forgive you because my picture is the biggest.