A Proud Right-Wing Nut Job On Politics And Friends

I have very strong convictions, but I'm also open to differing thought processes and ideas. This whole election nastiness brings about an interesting consideration. We get emotional and frustrated, and I have heard folks rant and rail against those "crazy socialist left-wingers" or "the gun-toting right wing conspirators"...and yet, my sister and I discussed this morning, that individually, we all have friends, good friends, maybe even family who sit just as staunchly on the opposite side of the aisle from us.

So what do you do? Politics is something that you get 4 different opinions with 2 people in the room. And that's if they are on the same side! It seems like this is something that could destroy friendships, and yet how can you let it? My friends and family are the most important thing. And while I may think some of them are misguided, in the end the friendships are what last. I've had some very interesting discussions with friends regardless of who they are voting for. I think it's good that we all get the chance to voice our thoughts.

But even so, I'm very glad this is almost over. Tomorrow, we will be done. Assuming things don't get wacky like 2000.

And in the end, even if the absolute worst I can imagine does come to pass, what am I going to do to my friends who helped it happen? I can promise the most they'll get from me is a "Ha! I told you so!" as Steve and I run for the hills with our kids and our guns. ;)

Make New Friends, But Keep The Old...

Yesterday I got lots of well wishes from friends, new and old.

But one in particular was a pleasant surprise.

I have a childhood best friend who I don't talk to very much any more. She's still one of my favorite people in the world, but life has drifted us our separate ways. We live a good 5 states away from each other so we can't exactly get together for coffee or dinner.

It's interesting how our relationship has changed over the years. In High School, we did everything together. And I do mean everything! From fourth grade on, we shared large chunks of our lives. But then I went off to college and got married and started having kids, and she went off to Europe and has been working and finishing school. And oddly enough it wasn't till after we graduated High School that we really started being honest, I think. We've only seen each other a very few times in the past 10 years, and we only talk every few months. But I think there is more trust between us now. We've had discussions that we never would have trusted each other with in High School. Basically, I miss my friend. And yet I recognize the irony that some of our best communication has come after we no longer see each other.

Yesterday, she called me. And in a day where I felt grouchy and crummy, that few minutes of conversation before she went to work...that was just what I needed to give me a little boost and change my outlook.

Here's to friends, new and old. Sometimes, especially the old.