The Pupose of Girlfriends

Women are complicated, emotional beings. It is because of this that I believe women NEED girlfriends in their lives. Girlfriends provide for each other something special that other relationships can't fulfill. We understand one another, even if we don't always agree with what one is saying or doing. True girlfriends love you and support you even with all your junk. A true girlfriend will call you out, and make you question why you are doing what you are doing. True girlfriends will drop everything and be there when you need them. they are someone you can call anytime and will listen when you need them.  And of course key to this is that it is reciprocated. But True friends don't keep a scorecard. It is like the greatest Bank Account, you make deposits and withdrawals on the account and it all just seems to balance in the end.

I am truly blessed to have some great girlfriends in my life. They have been there for my ups and downs, highs and lows, good times and bad. They are not judgy and only offer advice and their thoughts on issues when it is needed. I can call my girls ( and yes, I do take ownership of these girls in my life, because it is the type of bond that I have), and they are there at the drop of a dime. Sometimes I just need an ear on the phone line. There are times that I need to see them for a break.

My husband gets this relationship I have, he may not understand it, but he allows me time to have my "Girls Nights". He will take the kids away or watches the kids as I go out for coffee or wine with my friends. HE knows that without these girls I wouldn't be who I am, or have the strength to get through all the things I have gotten through. To quote Tom Cruise "They complete me." They may not always be the same group of friends, but God has introduced me to certain people in my life at certain times for certain reasons, and once that need is filled friends have moved on. I still love ALL the girls who have come in and out of my life, and they hold a special place in my heart.

I also must admit that I am HIGH maintenance as a friend. I don't know if this is because I am an only child, and have always relied on my friends in substitute for a sibling, but my friends carry a heavy load when they enter my life. I want to put it out there that I know this and appreciate the responsibility that is "Being Kristen's friend".

Birthday Part 1

Well, yesterday I turned the big 3-9. What can I tell you about 39??? It's older than 38, and still younger than 40. I spent the day alone at home just relaxing all day, which gave me some time to think (with 3 young kids that doesn't happen very often). In thinking about 39, I began to focus on all the blessings in my life with the hopes of naming 39 things I am Thankful for...in no particular order here they are: 1- my kids- they are the only human beings in the world that can have me pulling my hair out one minute than crying from the immense love the next. 2- My Job- I am blessed enough to love my job, when I am truly frustrated with work, it is the administrative aspect and never the people I work for, which is wonderful. 3- My mom-her strength in fighting her Cancer has been amazing. She has inspired me to focus on all the good and not to fret over the bad.4- My husband- for without him I wouldn't have my beautiful children, or be able to work my job. He is supportive and understanding (but don't tell him that...I like to have leverage!). 5- Good Friends- I am blessed to have such great friends in my life, I can also say that although sometimes the faces change, I have had amazing friends throughout my life too. I have been lucky enough to always be surrounded by such beautiful and strong people. 6- My home- although I could always find something to fix, I truly love my family's home, it feels like home and it's ours. (Well, it's actually the bank's but someday it'll be ours).7-My pets- there's something so special about the love of an animal. 8- Happy Juice- need I say more?? 9-My Dad- Keeps me laughing and reminds me not to take life so seriously. With my mom they have provided my kids with very Cool grandparents for sure!!!10-My sister-in-law- She is truly the sister I never had. 11-My nieces and nephews-being an only-child it never occurred to me that I would be an aunt; but I can honestly say it is one of the great jobs in the world (aside from being a mom of course!!!) 12- Facebook- for allowing friends to stay in touch and reconnect over the years. 13- A good book- It's always nice to escape the world for awhile and travel to a different place, and time. 14-American Idol- To watch the journey of some amazing singers realize their potential, and to make me feel good about my own singing (during the first auditions...lol). 15- Happy Juice (did I mention that already?) 16-My Church- After much Church Hopping- My family and I feel a real fit with our Church. There is a sense of Community there, that we have never experienced at any other Church. A true sense of belonging and support. 17-Almonte- I have never felt such a sense of closeness and interaction than that of this town. I grew up in Ottawa and you can get lost in a city, here there is a true support system and neighbourhoods become families.

I will end this entry here to con't Part 2 as 39 things to be Thankful for; is a lot to think about and my brain is sore and I need a Happy Juice (did I write that already???)...lol