Old isn't the same as new... but it will definitely do!

“Make new friends but keep the old ones; one is silver and the other's gold”.

I've posted before about the awesome group of people we call "friends".  But this week I realized that even though they may not be old friends, we meet new friends who add some great sprinkles to our already beautifully iced cake of life.

After shopping for what seemed like months, Stephanie and I are in the final stretch of our Christmas shopping.  We have spent every lunch break for the past 2 months shopping for everyone on our very long, long Christmas lists.  We decided to start early to stretch out the financial strain, anxiety, and stress that can accompany the overwhelming task of checking everyone off of your list. 

For those of you who don't know who Stephanie is... she is my work life saver!!  We work together at Schumacher Homes and hit it off almost immediately after she started.  When we started, we both worked in lsmall cubicles across from each other.  Stephanie is a brain box of numbers and figures... a financial guru!  We have been friends for about 3 years and have enjoyed the joy's of dating, marriage, child birth, and promotions in our short time together.  And... we both sleep with Andrew's!!  Doesn't that automatically bond you for life?  So, needless to say, Stephanie is definitely my work bff.  We both struggle when the other is off for the day!

So our shopping is complete and we decided to exchange our small gifts yesterday.  With no expectations, I was tickled to death when I opened my gift.  I realized that, although I haven't known this friend as long as others, she knows me just the same.  I opened something I have been wanting forever.  One of those things you forget about until you are at the store... and then you just don't want to spend the money on it.  LOL!  I am forever grateful for people who listen.  And I probably only mentioned once that I really wanted one of these but my buddy was definitely listening.  So what was this amazing gift???

A bath pillow.

That's right... a bath pillow.  I enjoy nothing more at the end of the day then a hot, hot bath and a good book.  It's how I unwind and relax.  I don't ask for expensive jewelry or manicures or shoes to make me happy.  Just 15 minutes of peace with a good book.  I have had days where I take 3 bathes in one day just because my book is so good.  My husband can attest to this!  Although he laughs at my obsession... he gladly accepts it knowing how happy it makes me.

So, last night was my first night with the pillow. Oh my goodness!!  Once you have had one you can never go back.  I feel like I have fallen in love with my 'bath/book time' all over again!  It was fabulous!  I am so thankful for this small but thoughtfull gift Miss Stephanie.  You are a great friend and I am so thankful for our friendship!