I often wonder about some people and why they are the way they are. Why some relationships work and others don't. It's simple and yet complex. I've learned over the years that I can't let the relationships that don't work bother me, I just have to let them either sink into the background or remain civil. I hope this makes sense, I'm not talking about a relationship in specific, merely the things that I have learned. I know that this is deep subject for a blog, however, I also know that if I write about it and send it into the "void" I will somehow feel lighter. I digress. You have to decide which relationships are truly important to you, as well as healthy for you. For example, is the co-worker who wants to go out to lunch with you and do weekend activities truly a good friend if all they do is gripe about their home life? Sure, we all gripe about the life we lead from time to time, it's normal; but when it becomes a focus, it drags others down. I can't bring myself to be surrounded by people who bring stress to my life. This doesn't just apply to friends, it can apply to relatives, too. It doesn't matter how frequently or infrequently I communicate to someone (or what my relationship is to them) if they stress me out any time we talk/are together, I just don't have the energy or patience to deal with it. Basically, I hate drama. I LOATHE drama in my life. I like to read about celebrity drama or watch stuff like that on tv, but it's not welcome in my life! I know this is random, especially since I haven't blogged in a while, but I guess I've just become so grateful that, in the family of God, you truly choose the people who become closest to you, because those are the relationships you work hardest at. So...thank you to those who hold a special place in my heart...you all know who you are...I hope you know how much I love an appreciate you. You are the people who know that I'm not always a b****-y person and you laugh at me when I am because you know that (usually) I don't ever mean to be. You are the people who push through my shell and make me love you, the ones who don't offer un-solicited advice and treat me like I don't know what I'm doing. The ones who laugh and cry with me, listen to me gush about how AWESOME my husband and daughter are (and agree, because it's impossible not to!! :) ). The ones who we like to sit around a table with and stuff ourselves silly with yummy food while we laugh. The ones who we choose to "do life" with. (to quote Pastor Mark) Whether you live close in proximity or far, whether I talk to you every day, or not nearly as much...you know who you are. You are the ones who bless my life and make my heart smile. I'm so glad you are my "family".