Drop In A Bucket List

Chapter 2 The Crew

“The Crew”

Before I launch into the adventures of the bucket list, I should explain my group of friends.  I can’t think of a more amazing group of people.  Each one is unique and spectacular in their own way, and I’m seriously blessed to know each and every one of them.  To fully comprehend the Bucket List I’m going to give you a rundown of the cast of characters. 

Heather.  My BFF.  There is so much I could say about this woman.  She is without a doubt my most loyal comrade.  We go way back.  She knows where all the bodies are buried.  She is smart, truthful, funny, and adventurous.  She would be my one phone call if I were in jail.  Oh and we’re both going through divorces, and our husbands used to be best friends too.  Yes, that’s a whole lot of dysfunction, but it’s never boring.

Lauri.  An old friend from high school.  We fell out of touch for a while, but I’m so grateful she’s back in my life.  She’s this great mix of good girl/vixen.  She is spontaneous, honest, tenderhearted, caring, and funny.  She is my partner in crime on the dance floor, and her open bubbly personality makes me smile.  We vibe on weird music and connect on a hippie level.  Guess what else we have in common; she’s in the middle of a divorce. 

Larry, more commonly known as Karate Dad.  He’s my best guy friend.  Our kids take karate together, hence the nickname.  He is straightforward, hilarious, honest, and would be upset if I didn’t compliment his stellar good looks, so his hotness must be noted among his awesome traits.  He is my go to advisor for all things dealing with divorce.  He tells me like it is, even if I don’t want to hear it.  Karate Dad also a gives me rare insight into the mind of a single man.  He’s divorced and has been for several years so he fits right in with my merry band of misfits. 

Shelley.  A new friend.  I met her through Heather, and we’ve been thick as thieves ever since.  She is levelheaded, committed, strong, and can shake her tail feather like no one else I know.  She is always down for a good time, and she provides a voice of reason when the rest of us go to far into the deep end.  Sadly, this awesome lady is also a victim of divorce.

Leslie.  OMG.  She is also another friend from high school.  Her and Lauri are BFF’s.  Without a doubt one of the funniest people I’ve ever met in my entire life.  She is the life of any party.  I love going dancing with her because she will school ery'body on how it’s done.  She brings the mojo to our group.  She’s fierce, brave, sincere, self-confident, and hilarious.  Nicknamed the Honey Badger, because like the You Tube video says, she takes what she wants.  Surely someone as fun as Leslie is taken.  Nope, her partner of five years left her too. 

Ashley.  Another new friend.  I met her through Lauri and I’m so glad I did.  She a little more soft-spoken than the rest of us, but don’t let that fool you, this girl can get down.  She’s smart, easy going, responsible, funny, and sweet.  She is one of the most sincere people I’ve ever met.  She would give the shirt off her back to someone in need.  I've trusted her since I met her.  I can tell her anything without fear of judgement.  She is simply one of the best people I know.  While she’s never been divorced, she has a beautiful child with a man who doesn’t help her at all.  Seems like a pattern is forming. 

Jana.  One of my oldest and dearest friends.  She is a solid person to her core.  Together we laugh at things that no one else would.  She’s another one that knows where all the bodies are buried.  She’ll ask the questions that no one else has the guts to.  She’s kind, smart, loyal, and committed.  Thank goodness she is happily married to a great man.  It gives the rest of us, just a tiny pin dot of hope.

Shea.  Another life long friend.  We’ve been hanging out together since junior high.  Shea has a great laugh.  I might not get to talk to her as often as I’d like, but I know I can always pick up the phone and she’ll be there.  She is a tough cookie.  She will call you on your bull in a heartbeat, but love you through it just the same.  She is compassionate, funny, out going, sharp, successful, and cool as hell.  She is also happily married to a nice man.  Another ray of light shining through for hope.

Zatarain. He's my brother's best friend. Gasp.  It mostly strictly platonic and we have my brother's blessing.  Calm down people.  We started hanging out at my brother's wedding and never stopped.  He's this beautiful soul that makes me laugh.  He has a phenominal singing voice that not everyone gets to hear.  He's got all this gorgeous curly surfer boy hair, and pretty smile.  We love listening to weird music, watching Twilight, and drinking beer and people watching.  He's the type of friend that makes you want to give men a chance.  Every woman should have a couple of attractive male friends to give her perspective.  

These girls (and guys) are it.  They are my support system, my stress relief, and my way of coping.  Without them I don’t know where I’d be with all of this.  Like the Beatles said, “I get by with a little help from my friends.”