A Bounty of Friends

This past week has me connecting with two of my good girlfriends.

On Saturday I saw HL and her baby boy Matt. We met at Caribou and gossiped.  She and I connected at HIG or as I call it: THE HORROR-SHOW!  She worked there for eight years and finally left for her current job.  We worked together for a year before she left.  In that year we became fast friends.  She (at the time) was a married gal with no children and two dogs.  Those were her babies.   She also turned me onto Weight Watchers and was my main support through that process. We shared weight loss and dog stories.  When she left I was broken-hearted but a friendship was established and this many years later and a baby to boot, we still are good friends. 

It is always a delight to talk to HL but this day, it was such a treat since I go no where and see very few people as I can't afford to go out.  It was such a pleasure to sit, sip coffee, and talk to HL.  I realized how much I miss my friends during this time of unemployment.  Before we knew it two hours had passed and her perfect child was playing well with his toys but no need to push it...so it was time to go.  I was sorry to see it end.

You know HIG was a horror-show but I came away from there with a good friend.

Then on Monday TMB came from Hugo to spend the day togther.  TMB has been unemployed for more than a year.  This is disheartening indeed, but what gets me is she has amazing experience.  10 years here; three years there; all as an office manager.  She's got skills and she had no interviews. In May she will run out of UI benefits.  Her skills are applicable everywhere -- mine are very specific.  If she can't find work, what's going to happen to me?

TMB and I met at Nat Car 19 years ago.  We've worked for the same employer three times in our history.

TMB is married to the wonderful Charlie and has two dogs.  We joke that there aren't two more  surprising dog owners than TMB and me, but here we are: in love with doggy-motherhood.

T came bearing a big grocery bag full of meat products including sausages that were made by Grandpa who used to have an Italian deli in St. Paul.  I have plenty of meat.  Such a nice gift!

TMB and I talked at length about unemployment, money, weight, smoking (rather, not smoking) dogs, dogs, dogs, husbands, family...it was four hours of nonstop chat.  What a treat! 

I've known TMB almost longer than any other friends but one.  We are like-minded with the same emotional balances.  Morally and ethically, we are the same. Here again is a woman who is so important to me,  whom I met through work.  And I might add, it too was a horror-show!

I've worked at a lot of crappy places but most all have given me dear, dear friends.  Interesting.

My visit with TMB was nurturing and sustaining.  I really get so much from my female friends. It's invigorating. Like my Sunday-morning coffee with Chris and Miss Joyce (and sometimes Terry).  I just can't start my week without a visit with the ladies. When I don't see my gal pals I am lost.

Now I am wth my friend GiGi and I feel like this week is complete and I surely will make it through another week with the help of these women.