AUTHOR: Marty, a.k.a. canape TITLE: These women who I love DATE: 2/24/2009 09:09:00 PM ----- BODY:

There really has to be a better terminology than "in real life." You've probably seen it online - IRL - to denote between what is real and what occurs online. I used to use it. I've decided I'm done with the phrase.

The friends I've made via the internet are as real as the friends I get to see face to face. Granted, there are differences to the relationships, the history, and how they play out, but they are just as real.

It's my birthday. Yup. Today. Fat Tuesday. I freaking love it when my birthday falls on Mardi Gras. I get to stick a candle in a King Cake and dance around like a fool. It's awesome.

I got the best present this year. I had to beg for it, but I got it.

Kevin took me to Baltimore to see some of my friends. Some of my real friends. We spent the afternoon with a crowd of them, and then spent the night with Nita and her family. It was absolutely wonderful.

These women have invested themselves in my life. They have trusted me and given me reason to trust them. They have stayed with me through my cliched darkest days and brightest ones as well. We have grieved together and celebrated together. I honestly love them.

Gail, Amy, Jill, Nicole, Heather, Jessica, Nita were all there. I had never met any of them in person before, and yet there wasn't a moment of awkwardness. Well, except when I cried during my first Gail hug. Or cried again when I was telling Jill goodbye. Or when Amy texted and said that she was going to make it after all. Okay. So it was awkward when I kept crying. I couldn't help it though. I was too too happy.

Thank you, Kev, for going with me and meeting these fantastic women. I hope next time that the whole group can be together. The whole group of real friends.

Happy birthday to me. I'm a lucky lucky woman. And yes, I'm aware that my child is only 1 and is already a boob man. That has to be my favorite picture ever.

Labels: Blogging Babes, Friends, My Life, Warm Fuzzies

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

C.K. DATE:Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:42:00 PM EST I think the phrase you're looking for is "in meatspace." ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Daily Verses DATE:Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 9:55:00 PM EST Happy Birthday, lady. I didn't find your crying to be awkward at all. I was, and still am, so moved by what you said to me. I love you and hope you have the best, fattest Tuesday birthday ever! I am so glad that you and the other ladies are now "IRL" friends! :-) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

gail DATE:Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 10:48:00 PM EST Happy birthday my friend. Here is to another year together, May there be many more friendship filled years!

Jilly you're included in the IRL stuff. Just sayin'. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Nita DATE:Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 11:07:00 PM EST Happy Birthday!!! It was such a pleasure to spend time with you and it was really an amazing experience, getting to actually meet all of these ladies. We are so lucky to have each other.

I am so happy you had a great birthday. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Bubblewench DATE:Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 6:57:00 AM EST Happy Birthday!!! I am so glad you go to go meet up with your friends. That's awesome. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Amy DATE:Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 9:20:00 AM EST Happy birthday! I actually feel closer to you now that we've seen each other face to face, than I did before, and that's saying a lot. It's been a wonderful ride these past two years, and I'm hoping there are many more to come. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Spacemom DATE:Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 11:47:00 AM EST Happy Birthday!(a day late)

The IRL always sounds funny. I use "cyber friends" or "Axe murderers" for my net friends! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Beautifully Unique DATE:Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 3:40:00 PM EST That is truly an amazing birthday gift. I'm so bummed that I live so far away and wasn't able to join in the meet-up. Maybe some other time.
And I agree, I couldn't have any better friends than my "real" friends I've met through NMD. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

MB DATE:Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at 10:45:00 PM EST Happy Birthday! Mine is 2/24 too! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

whymommy DATE:Friday, February 27, 2009 at 11:48:00 AM EST I'm glad you had such a good time with your friends. ----- --------