formerly Diane's Addled Ramblings... the ramblings are still addled, just like before, and the URL is still the same...
it's just the title at the top of the page that's new

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Happy Birthday X 2!

Today is a special day!

Today, one of my bestest ever friends celebrates her birthday. Mel (you might know her from I'm Not Weird, I'm Gifted... but she is weird... just sayin') turns... well... older... today and I just wanted to wish her Happy, Happy Birth-DAY (conga-line tune, remember?).

Mel and I have been friends a long, long time. We met about 20 years ago, when we were both young and cool. Well, I was cool. She was a dork. Less of a dork than she is today, mind you, but still a dork. And we disliked each other instantly. We both pride ourselves on generally getting people right, so I figure it was a fluke... or we're going to find out 10 years from now that we were right and we're both awful people. Yeah. Let's go with the former. Anyway, we decided we weren't so bad after all and we eventually became friends. Best friends. Mel was in my wedding... then she became Ryan's 'GodMommy'. She's been there through good times and bad. She has been my rock and a shoulder when I needed it. She knows when I need her to stick up for me and when I need her to just let me vent. She makes me laugh like no one else on the planet. She has never let me down, not once in 20 years, and I am truly blessed to have her in my life. Even if she is a dork.

So, happy, happy birth-DAY, my friend!!

Today is also The Republican's birthday. And he's just old today. Heh heh. I haven't known him nearly as long as I've known Mel, but that doesn't lessen his impact on my life. Unlike the situation with Mel, when I met him, I liked him a lot... until we had a conversation about gay marriage... in the parking lot of the restaurant at the end of our first date... in the freezing cold. Let's just say there was no goodnight kiss... just the sound of my squealing tires, as I sped out of there like a bat out of Hell. I never expected to see him again. But see him I did, on many occasions, for many non-dates. He came into my life when I really needed someone to just like me for me, in spite of my many faults (and no, Mr. Republican, I do NOT mean my politics!). And he does like me (or he fakes it really well). I still hate his politics but I like him, too. He is generous, kind, and funny, and I value his friendship, probably more than he knows. He's doing important work in Afghanistan and while I'm happy for him, as he loves what he's doing, I worry about his safety and I miss him.

So, happy, happy birthday to you, you grumpy old Republican!

I hope you both have the most wonderful day!!! XOXO

12 comments:

blognut said...

Happy Birthday, Mel!

Happy Birthday, Republican!

I don't know either one of you, but anybody who makes Diane happy is all right with me. :)

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to Mel and The Republican!!

Everyday Goddess said...

I love birthdays!
Now all I want is a big corner piece of cake!!

Melanie Gillispie said...

Thank you Dianabelle!

Debbie said...

Hapypy birthday to your dear friends..you are blessed! friendships so pure and real are rare!

hooray said...

Happy Birthday, Mel!

Happy Birthday, Mr. Republican!

Yay for GREAT friends!

Coachdad said...

Happy Birthday to both! And props to you for overlooking the Republicans' political views!

Jean said...

I also have a republican friend serving in Afghanistan (2nd tour) whose birthday is today.

Happy birthday to Mel and your republican!

Maithri said...

Happy Birthdays all round... And to you too...for next time... cos as my friends at Hallmark would say... wait for it now....

"No matter what the date...its never too early or late.. to say Happy birthday(t) lol!..."

What do you think...do i have a future in the card cliche writing business?

I feel like my IQ just dropped one hundred points... - yes its now officially minus 70.

Love you, M

Zuzana said...

Ah, what a wonderful tribute to your best friend! Happy Birthday Mel (and he republican).
I have never met you nor Mel, but anyone who has followed both your blogs can feel you have the right "friendship" chemistry. It is so difficult to keep friends over the years ad we all need them; at least one good one.;))
I wold give anything to spend just one evening with both of you; I would laugh so much, that the good mood would last me for many years to come.;))
xo

Sometimes Sophia said...

Wonderful wishes. Would that we could all share a corner of your non-bloggy existence. I'm sure your friends count themselves lucky.

Jenners said...

Happy Birthday Mel!!!! Come back to blog world soon!

And so you DID go on a date with the Republican....haha. I thought you denied it but you clearly wrote that.

And how weird two so important people had birthdays on the same day.