My Girls . . .

Small moments have a way of reminding you about the important things. This weekend, amidst the relaxing, one or more glasses of wine, fending off the relentless attacks of unrealistic males, and mission-critical stops to DSW (it's kind of like shoe heaven), I was reminded of one of life's little necessities . . . girlfriends.

They come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, they look and sound just like you. If you were half-Japanese with three kids and married to a restless entrepreneur, rather than being of decidedly European descent and married to a doctor.

Sometimes, they come in tiny, fiesty packages and are related to you by marriage.

Sometimes, they look like that high school cheerleader you couldn't stand - until you are locked in a van with them on a 5 hour road trip and by the end of the trip they like you enough to take care of you when you're hanging from a late-night bender with some Polish vodka - in Poland.

Sometimes, you meet them, and don't know they are going to be your girlfriend, until this magical web we weave brings you back around until you find yourself sipping Pinot Grigio on Santana Row in the San Jose afternoon sun with them.

Why, you ask, are they so important?

• Girlfriends will tell you if your ass looks too big in that dress. They will also hold you while you cry, because your significant other told you your ass looked too big in that dress.
• Girlfriends love to rehash the details of all your past loves, without getting jealous.
• Girlfriends go with you to Vegas and ogle men with you, regardless of your relationship with their brother.
• Girlfriends will tell you the cold, hard truth. Even when it makes you cry harder. Then they will hug you while your cry, because you hate the truth.
• Girlfriends don't mind hearing your latest gripe . . . for the 20th time.
• Girlfriends know that sometimes, just sitting around for 20 minutes in their bedroom with your parrafin-dipped hands in plastic bags on the floor is better than any session with a therapist.
• Girlfriends have a way of sensing when life and conversation starts to get too overwhelming . . . and redirect your attention towards shoe shopping.
• Girlfriends give you smart, sensible advice. Then, when you fail to heed it, they stand there with open arms to listen to your pain, disappointment, and general confusion. Without ever an "I told you so".
• Girlfriends never forget to tell you how wicked hot you look.
• Girlfriends never leave you in silence.

You all know who you are. This is my thank you.

Respectfully submitted,

The Wife