This post is going to be one of the largest backwards compliments I've ever given...so...please read to the end. And don't judge me. :P
By my own admission, I am a mama Grizzly Bear. I'm a tough nut to crack with a soft, gooey center. But once I let that wall down and let you in...you're golden. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you. Of course, the flip side to that is, if you hurt me once I let you in, it's a hurt that's harder to forgive. Ok, enough psycho-analysis. Moral of the story is...I love my friends like family...and will gladly stand beside them on a sinking ship (let's be honest here...I am a pretty good swimmer).
Which means, if someone's crossed you...they've crossed me too. If someone's yelling at you...I'll yell louder. If someone wants to pick a fight, well, let's be honest...I'll run the other way, and curl up in the fetal position (ha!) But if it's a verbal fight? I'll write some checks my mouth can't cash and go down swinging.
So how does the wonderful Ms. Kristin Martin fall into play here you ask? Because when I met her...I was playing the part of Mama Grizzly. For one reason or another, my friend didn't like her (silly boys), and out of support for my then-friend, I didn't give her a chance. I wasn't mean to her...I just didn't give it any effort. I refused to see the good, and reserved my position on that sinking ship next to my dear old friend.
But that's the thing. It was a sinking ship. The hatred was unfounded. The disgust was unjustified. And there came a point, where all the beautiful things I saw in her...could no longer be shadowed by an Eeyore cloud of negativity.
In short? It was time for Mama Grizzly to come out of her den...and open her eyes.
And when I did (I sure hope you're still reading this Kristin, or this will all be for naught...), I found a fantastic friend. She's as sweet as she is kind. She's funny, considerate and caring. We have newsroom songfests and dance parties ("It's Friday, Friday...). She makes me giggle, has the best snacks in the newsroom, is a fantastic cook (or so I hear every time she leaves for a dinner break - gah!), and she has a bit of the Mama Grizzly in her too. She fights for the little man, stands up for what's right, and helps build people up. She's a remarkable listener, quick with a hug, and always has fantastic advice. More than a co-worker, she's a friend...and I'm glad I looked past the jealous rage of an old friend (who I haven't heard from in nearly 6 months, mind you...), to give her a chance.
I took a chance, made up my mind for myself, opened my eyes and opened my heart, and made a fantastic friend. And I can honestly say my life (and my weekends) are a little more special for having her in it.
And I'm thankful for that.
By my own admission, I am a mama Grizzly Bear. I'm a tough nut to crack with a soft, gooey center. But once I let that wall down and let you in...you're golden. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you. Of course, the flip side to that is, if you hurt me once I let you in, it's a hurt that's harder to forgive. Ok, enough psycho-analysis. Moral of the story is...I love my friends like family...and will gladly stand beside them on a sinking ship (let's be honest here...I am a pretty good swimmer).
Which means, if someone's crossed you...they've crossed me too. If someone's yelling at you...I'll yell louder. If someone wants to pick a fight, well, let's be honest...I'll run the other way, and curl up in the fetal position (ha!) But if it's a verbal fight? I'll write some checks my mouth can't cash and go down swinging.
So how does the wonderful Ms. Kristin Martin fall into play here you ask? Because when I met her...I was playing the part of Mama Grizzly. For one reason or another, my friend didn't like her (silly boys), and out of support for my then-friend, I didn't give her a chance. I wasn't mean to her...I just didn't give it any effort. I refused to see the good, and reserved my position on that sinking ship next to my dear old friend.
But that's the thing. It was a sinking ship. The hatred was unfounded. The disgust was unjustified. And there came a point, where all the beautiful things I saw in her...could no longer be shadowed by an Eeyore cloud of negativity.
In short? It was time for Mama Grizzly to come out of her den...and open her eyes.
And when I did (I sure hope you're still reading this Kristin, or this will all be for naught...), I found a fantastic friend. She's as sweet as she is kind. She's funny, considerate and caring. We have newsroom songfests and dance parties ("It's Friday, Friday...). She makes me giggle, has the best snacks in the newsroom, is a fantastic cook (or so I hear every time she leaves for a dinner break - gah!), and she has a bit of the Mama Grizzly in her too. She fights for the little man, stands up for what's right, and helps build people up. She's a remarkable listener, quick with a hug, and always has fantastic advice. More than a co-worker, she's a friend...and I'm glad I looked past the jealous rage of an old friend (who I haven't heard from in nearly 6 months, mind you...), to give her a chance.
I took a chance, made up my mind for myself, opened my eyes and opened my heart, and made a fantastic friend. And I can honestly say my life (and my weekends) are a little more special for having her in it.
And I'm thankful for that.
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