HBD Jill

It's my friend, coworker and Bachelor-watching partner in crime Jill's birthday today, and in honor of her awesomeness, a birthday shout-out on the blog. She has helped me learn to live in peace in Texas, brought out my inner design nerd (or at least that nerd's credit card to buy things on etsy) and been one of my best friends in this chapter of my life, or all chapters, really. I know, so emo... So here, in no particular order, are some of the most memorable times that I can actually, well, remember. See, my dear friend Jill, there are plenty of fun times I'm forgetting here, but I'm older than you and let me tell you - the memory loss sets in quick. Good thing we have Facebook for photos because I don't do scrapbooks.

Bonding over the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf postcard at my desk in March of 2007.

This little event isn't necessarily memorable. Jill just showed up at my desk because it was really just a way for a writer and an art director to fill their timesheets and not get fired. But it was the beginning of a wonderful friendship. So here's to that postcard, CBTL and First Effing Magnus. RIP, LoanTracker.

Helping Bert through one of his less-than-adorable moments.

It involved scissors and some fur and for Bert's pride, I'll leave it at that. Bert and I bonded that day, which means Jill and I bonded too. Hugs, Bert and happy belated birthday.

Costumes

What's more fun than theme parties, house parties, game nights, cocktail parties and holiday parties? Any of them in a costume. Jill is amazing at costumes, the more original she gets, the better. I even went to a few Jew parties with her in costume, knowing we'd totally rock it, also knowing I'd totally stand out as the tall blonde. Sorry I scared away the dudes, Jill. But we were such great doubles partners. Club Champions!

Getting a flat tire in the Mini on a 100-degree Saturday.

Nothing says friendship like a near-death parking spot on the non-existent shoulder of Hwy. 75 near the Fitzhugh exit. Except maybe your ass sweat on your friend's leather seats. But nobody remembers those details once you've been rescued by a eight Dallas cops, right?

Monday Nights

On a day that starts off depressing, there's no better way to end it than surrounded by friends - Jill, Bert, Girards, Salad, and Frozen Pizza. And a few other key people. Like Chris Harrison, douche bags, and whores. I have Jill to thank for always being the best hostess ever.

Getting coffee and talking about our hopes and dreams and fears.

You don't drink the office coffee for the caffeine, you drink the office coffee so you can walk away from your desk for a few minutes. And if you're lucky, you have someone who meets you at the coffee maker to discuss the day ahead and commiserate with you.

Gymnastics

Only once in my lifetime will I have the opportunity to go to the Pride of Parker Texas Hometown Parade. That opp was a couple years ago, and luckily I had the good sense to go with Jill to see none other than famous Olympic gymnasts like Nastia Liukin being paraded down the street in fancy cars (I mean, who wouldn't go??).

I've also seen Nastia and Shawn Johnson speak at a Dallas sports luncheon, which Jill and I went to. Jill has more love for gymnastics than probably half the gymnasts out on the floor at any given event (especially those forced into it by their countries but whatevs), and no matter what she does in life, she will always stick her landing. Always.

Happy Birthday Jill, you are awesome. This will be a big year for you, I can feel it.

PS, sorry for the lame title and thanks for the use of your facebook pics.