Boys to Men to Good Friends

I've been blessed with a life of incredible men. In case you ever question that in your life, take an afternoon off work, watch bad tv and be grateful that you've never gone on national tv to watch a man you've had sex with, possibly had a baby with, dance with glee because "he is not the father!" I have the best father ever. That's my opinion and I'm eternally grateful. But, this post is about the rest of you. In kindergarten, Chris Fulton snuck a kiss in the cubby holes. I do believe that was my first kiss. Greg Davis, my childhood crush forever, put up with whatever my parents asked. He cut our lawn, he and Angel did the square dancing thing, and we all rode around in the back of a pick up truck. Angel looked the other way when Greg kissed me. Ron Seats and Rich Seats were like brothers. We had those babysitting memories with Kim, phantom babysitters and heaven knows what we did to Grandma Love. I miss Ronnie and am eternally grateful for my neighborhood siblings - Rich and Kim. Happily-married men are often retrospective. I had a converstation with someone I have known my whole life and he asked, "Why didn't we date in high school?" I know why. He does too. We tried to expand our horizons. We actually played spin the bottle and I was thrilled when my spin landed on David Hinesley. I was goofy, grossed out and simultaneously honored that he stuck his tongue in my mouth. I told my mother and she told me to never let it happen again. Sadly, it didn't. I didn't date a lot of men in high school. I will say that the first man I dated seriously, Jeff Glass, was (and is) a really good man. He is the first man I thought I was in love with. His wife is a very lucky woman. My first true love was, and is, also a great man and his wife is blessed as well. I've not even mentioned all the male friends who seem to stay in my corner, no matter what. You know who you are and I love you. I've known some yucky men too. But, that is another post. Someday. Thank you boyfriends, boys who remain friends and hats off to the women who realize what a treasure you are.

Honey, Baby, Sweetie, Darling

I found this in my archives of posts I'd written but never posted. I find endearments ... well, endearing. I used to love it when my parents or other loved ones use them. There's a country song I love, I think it's called "Love like Crazy," and one of the best lines is "Never get too old to call her 'Baby'"

I'm not crazy about total strangers using these titles. The waitress at Bob Evans shouldn't call me "Hon'" but I recognize she is trying her best so I let it go. If a false sense of friendship or intimacy helps her tips/bottom line, so be it.

It is completely inappropriate in a business situation but every woman you know will tell you that it happens every day. I have been called, "Honey" and (my personal favorite) "Kiddo" by men way younger than me.

Here's a confession. I've found myself doing it, although NEVER in a professional situation. But as you refill my coffee, I might say "Thanks, Hon." Then I will kick myself. Is this a middle age or older thing?

Darling, or as it is supposed to be pronounced, "Darlin'" is my favorite. I save it for those I hold dear. It's my southern roots and the Ellis/Ridenour & Roman/Easterling southern roots.

Hello Again

For whatever reason, a number of you have asked me to blog again. I admit to missing it tremendously. I also admit to knowing so many others who do it better, who are funnier, who do it with more purpose and who put me to shame. As I have been reminded, it's not a competition. And, I am not going to apologize for not knowing how to add music and other stuff. I will have to wait until one of my goddaughters or younger friends visits.

In a few weeks, I get to take a trip with my besties. This picture is from a trip a couple of decades ago when Jan & I humiliated Deb. What are best friends for? I wish I could be like my friend Kristen and share world travels, great recipes and the joy of family. I wish I could be like my friend Janis and share family stories and words of enthusiasm. I wish I could be like my Aunt Cess and share the joys of finding love and adventure after a lifetime of love and adventure with your first love. I wish I had time to read all the blogs, tweets, and other things that grab my attention. But,I will share a few thoughts. Maybe some perspective on the divorced life. You can count on things about dogs.