Metal Meredith

Friedrich hasn’t been feeling well.

Our typically aloof but lovable, sweet but patronizing, stubborn but cute cat had been in two fights this past month (that we know about). One morning about a month ago, he came limping up to the front door. I ran to the vet, afraid he had been hit by a car, only to find out that he had a ‘sore leg’ from most likely a bite from another cat.

When he started staying in most of the day, which was totally unlike him, sleeping next to me in bed all night and slowly stopping at each step down the stairs, I knew something was wrong, again. Turns out he had a huge abscess created by another bite wound. Ew. It was drained and clipped and he is almost back to normal. All for only $82.50.

My friend Kym and I have been friends since 1990, when she and her friend Heidi would make the 2 hour journey down I-95 with their favorite local band. I found said ‘local band’ while recovering from my first real break up and loved their goofy hair metal style.

It did not take long for Kym and I to share astronomical phone bills that our parents rallied against. We immediately went to pen and paper. On weekends, one of us would drive to the other’s house, 2 hours away. We would spend a night and then quickly pop home. We stayed friends since, having never lived closer. In fact, Kym moved across the darn country a few years ago. I still haven’t forgiven her. Our once a week meeting, that dwindled down to once every few months, now is once a year.

*Me, Ed from Barenaked Ladies and Kym - Mid 1990s*

Kym called me in April to tell me that she got all knocked up. I had been hoping for quite a while but never really said anything as it seemed to be an internal struggle for both her and her husband as to whether or not they had kids. Of course, I voted for yes because they were so on the fence. If I thought they said no and really meant it, I would have never given it a thought (notice how I don’t bother you...you know who you are!). But, I never got the 100% from her.

This weekend, I went to her baby shower. As strange as it must have been for my old friends and some family to see my pregnant, it was just as strange to see a longtime friend all thick with baby. She wears it well. So well, in fact, that I will fully admit she is having one of those radiant and carefree pregnancies. Both her husband, Don and her seem excited and anxious, a wonderful way for every almost new parent to be.

*Don, the Stud, and Kym, the Round*

I am nervous for her, excited and elated, proud and encouraging. I just wish so badly that I lived down the street and not 8 hours of highway apart from them. I miss my friend.

This is one of my favorite authors. She has a website where she shares recipes, stories and other fun stuff!

Phil has been in New York City for the Future of Web Design conference since Tuesday morning. I am so ready for him to be home.

(Dear stalkers, I am posting this on Thursday evening and Phil should be home any minute. So don’t get any ideas).