It's Seriously One of the Greatest Things I've Ever Heard...

It's loud. I mean, LOUD. It's loud enough to find you wherever you are hiding, flexible enough to wrap around you, and strong enough to drag you along. To the fun. Back to the person who uttered this amazing thing. Because this thing - and this person - help you to suck the marrow out of life.

What is this thing? Who is this person?

The person is J. The thing is her laugh.

Yes, it's loud. Boisterous. Not "lady-like" at all. Infectious. Silly. Generous. Childlike. All grown up. Larger than life.

Just like J (except the non-lady-like thing; she's girly - all the way down to her 4-wheel driving, power-tool owning, high-heel wearing toes...oh, and the larger than life bit was seriously metaphorical.).

Her laugh is an invitation - to let go. To forget that the world is watching, to forget that I'm supposed to act a certain way, or to "appear" to be stylish and sophisticated. Her laugh calls to the soul and yells, "Sophistication is overrated. Come LIVE."

My laugh has gotten louder over the years that I've known J. I used to be quiet, hiding my humor in a subdued chuckle or a smirk. But, just as the sun cannot escape the dawn, you can't escape from the life that reverberates around in J's laughter. And, you cannot help but join in. Laugh. Guffaw. Chortle. Even wheeze because you can't breathe anymore. (Oh, and forget about keeping on mascara or eye makeup. You're going to laugh so hard you cry...a LOT.)

J's my bestie for many reasons; I'm blessed beyond words that God decided to intersect our lives. We've gotten into scrapes, had "adventures," eaten our weight in Candy Corn, cried our eyes out at the ugliness and indecency of life; but through it all, her laugh reverberates in every corner of every memory.

I'm going to hear it even when I'm old and deaf. It's that ingrained in my soul.

Me and My Momma...

My momma and I have one of those über-cool, kinda creepy, mind-melded relationships that freaks some people out, but for the most part, makes other people just smile and shake their heads (either in understanding or sympathy, I'm still never quite sure). Today, we had one of those conversations. Via text. She's just learned how to text, so it's been quite an adventure with her. Today's conversation still cracks me up. I've been reading it over and over - once while waiting in line at the store. It's just slightly embarrassing to be standing *alone* in a line, and suddenly, without provocation (at least, to the understanding of everyone around you) just burst out laughing. That's what my momma did to me today. See for yourself:

Me (to Mom): I need some promises from you. If you're ever unable to care for yourself, 1) you'll relinquish putting on makeup and let me do it for you, and 2) you will not, NOT roll yourself around Target in your wheelchair, muttering to yourself & scaring little children (and grownups) with your clown-like makeup and random rants (Mostly 'cuz I don't want to come explain to Security after they called me because my name and number were pinned on your shirt with "If I'm lost, call..." on it "just in case."). Do we have a deal???? PLEASE??? (and yes, I do need mind-bleach after this last trip to Target.)

Mom: OMG! (Side note: She actually typed "OMG!"; I did not abbreviate that. How cool is she??? SOOO cool.) She was at my Target, too! Deal...but I get to choose the nail polish colors. Red, pink, green, blue, and purple. All at once! No fair changing your number! I know where you live - if I can remember!

Me: As long as you're wearing orthopedic shoes and support hose, DEAL.

Mom: Oh, no. Mini-skirts and tank-tops. We're letting it all hang out! Perhaps Walmart in Oklahoma is a better venue...

Me: Mini-skirts, tank-tops, support hose, and orthopedic shoes. We'll call it "Dementia Chic."

Mom: We'll corner the market!

I keep reading this over and over. Crack up EVERY time. That woman slays me...

Oh, Peanut Butter...

I love peanut butter. No, really. I loooooove it. It's seriously an addiction, one of my downfalls. I've been known to eat it straight from the container - heck, I've been known to eat a whole container, never once putting the contents on bread or any other delivery mechanism - save a spoon.

Today, though? Today may have set the tides of my love a'turning.

Earlier this week, my students wrote a procedural-text, explaining to the reader (ahem: me) how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Today, I tested their instructions. I had all the ingredients necessary, and had each student read his/her essay aloud as I followed the instructions written (and ONLY those instructions written).

Needless to say, it was a hilarious class time. We laughed a lot, and not many of my students received a complete sandwich.

But now...now I'm finding peanut butter under my fingernails...and in my hair...and behind my ears. I'm not even sure HOW peanut butter got behind my ears; I'm actually afraid to think too much about it (I do promise you that all behavior was appropriate...well, save the sticking my hands into tubs of peanut butter and jelly).

Oh, peanut butter. I'll miss you. But for right now, I'm not sure I can handle this love affair...

For Now...I'm Thankful for Hair...

I have a lot to be thankful for this year; my family is healthy, I'm surrounded by loved ones, and I have a job that I adore. Tonight, though, I'm with a gaggle of amazing, hilarious, strong, beautiful women, getting our hair done, eating lots of great food, drinking wine, and sharing life.

These nights are a balm for my soul; I love these women, and looking extra beautiful at the end of the night is just a bonus.

I'm grateful for hair. And hair parties. And my amazing Hair Whisperer of a hair stylist. If you want her number, let me know...