Thanks, my friend(s)! March 28

How about going for a two-fer this week? BOGO is big in advertising, and I love a buy-one-get-one deal! There's no competition here. I just don't want to feel like I've placed one person's importance any higher than that of another, and I'd have some similar things to say about both of them.

I met them together, after all, when I was welcomed into a group of wonderfully supportive and hilarious women that make up my book club. Rhonda and Shelli both make me lol every time I see them. They are both warm and generous friends who I am so glad to have been introduced to when moving here four years ago. They could've asked, "Who's this ... why should we assume she'll fit in?" Let's face it, it's a roll of the dice where we live.  But I followed Alexis in to infiltrate her group of friends whether they liked it or not!

Those women went on her word that we're like-minded people, and I'm so glad to have been included into a clowder of very cool cats whom I've grown to love so much. Shelli and Rhonda continually show their gigantic hearts in all they do, and I love laughing when I'm around them so much that my cheekbones literally hurt from the workout. These women are both so smart and help educate the vast public in their jobs every day. If only a little of their wisdom (and humming musical talent) wears off on me in their presence, too! Can't wait for our annual summer outing, ladies!

I try to say "thanks" to a friend as often as I can, mostly in appreciate of how rich my life is because of the wonderful women I've had the honor to meet in my time on the planet. In light of our connection, I took today's goodreads quote of the day for them:

Why did you do all this for me?' he asked. 'I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you.' 'You have been my friend,' replied Charlotte. 'That in itself is a tremendous thing. E.B. White

New beginnings

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Unapologetic Women

The saying has been attributed to different people. "Well behaved women rarely make history."  I love it. Some people hate it. Regardless, it's very apropos. I read a post online today about female celebrities who lead the charge through Twitter. They are encouraging other young people to speak their mind, privately, publicly, through social media, and I hope their points are being heard and considered on a broad scale. So I want to share, at the author's suggestion, 

Who are your favorite female celebrities who make no apologies?   

Caitlin Moran ‏@caitlinmoran

In my imaginary friendship with Michelle Obama, my nickname for her is "Mo," we tell Barack we're going to do Pilates, then go to the pub.

	P!nk @Pink Hey you! Chicago reviewer salty guy that thinks I fly 2much +have 2 much fun-come back in 10 to 15 yrs- Ill be on the ground more I imagine. 06:03 PM - 10 Mar 13

Jessica Valenti @JessicaValenti I wonder how many protests by young white kids get called "riots." 08:56 PM - 11 Mar 13

Kelly Osbourne @MissKellyO

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” 03:22 PM - 26 Feb 13

Zooey Deschanel @ZooeyDeschanel 

http://www.salon.com/2013/01/04/zooey_deschanel_declares_her_feminism/

I love hearing statements from these women.  Whereas what they have to say a lot of times may not be actual "news," at least their opinions are usually informed and reasonable.  Rock on, ladies!

This post was inspired by a Huffington Post article by Blake Landau.  

Thanks, my friend! (March 8)

There are a few gaps in the procession of this thankfulness theme I've tried to create here. It's not a lack of amazing women in my life but more a matter of me taking time to recognize them. With it being International Women's Day, I'd like to reinvigorate my momentum here.

In doing so, I want to recognize a friend who serves as an almost daily inspiration to me, if not at least on a weekly basis. She's someone who is motivational, supportive and always has something hilarious to say ... but any more I only get to experience it all through Facebook. But I love it anyway. Let's face it, social media keeps us together.

Some people call FB a time suck, others claim to hate it or deny using it. One of my sisters totally denounces it as a terrible thing but then asks me what I hear from this person or that through Facebook. Keeping me in touch with people who I don't otherwise get to see is the number one reason for hanging tough with old Markie Z's love child.

This is a spotlight on my friend, Fran. She always makes me laugh and has the guts to signpost funny stuff that others won't. Fran is very passionate, convicted in her beliefs, and unapologetic in her ways. She's supportive to many people and groups and is willing to help out a friend if there's any way she can. I greatly admire all these qualities in her.

Fran is a lover of life and beauty, sharing little pieces of it with all her Facebook friends. I miss working with her, especially because of her no-nonsense attitude, but I get bits of her warmth through the computer. She welcomed me to the station when I hadn't been there very long and invited me to her wedding anyway. Ken got a helluva woman, and I think he knows and greatly appreciates that fact. She is awesome, and I want to say thanks, my friend!

Celebrate International Women's Day by telling a friend how much you love and appreciate her. Spare just a few minutes to let her know how important she is to the world.