For Cookie

Much happened over the last few day in the land of Merlicious. Middle of last week AG got a call with some sad news. One of her besy friends from home (Merced, CA) died on Valentine's Day. She had complications with Pneumonia. It gets worse: She was only 38, leaves behind a new husband (they were married 9 months), and a teenage daughter. It gets even sadder than that! She was raised by her grandmother who died when SHE was a teenager too! The irony is crazy sad and incredibly horrible. The good news is that the husband is adopting the daughter and they'll be okay, but still.

Of course, we went to the funeral. I rented a car for the first time and we left Friday morning (the viewing was that evening) and we got there around 5:00. Cookie was cremated and there was a huge display board with memories on it from all the people that loved her. Did you know that most people that are cremated don't have those weird urn things? The holders for the remains come with a variety of options. Cookie was in a mahogany box with an 8x10 picture of her on it.

We stayed with AG's brother Todd and his girlfriend Jenny. They just built a house in Chowchilla just outside Merced and it is fantastic. First of all, it's literally on a golf course. Second of all, each bedroom has it's own bathroom. Third, they are the most welcoming people in the world with the only rule being "make yourself at home," we had some serious fun. And they have a new kitten! He's very, very cute. That brings us to Saturday. The memorial service was mid-morning. There were over 300 people there and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. This woman was well loved by everyone she ever knew. She was always smiling and AG said she never had an unkind word to say about anyone, ever. She was always there with a hug and a listening ear. No matter what, she was always there for you. I never got the chance to meet her, but I wish I had. The world is truly missing someone special now.

However, this is about celebrating life! Sunday rolled around and we left Chowchilla around 1. Got home around 4 (avoiding the toll road takes a little longer, but it's free). Also, we went to Wal-Mart on the way home. We don't really have Wal-Mart in the SF and I don't have a car anymore, so we took advantage of the situation. We got: shampoo, 24-rolls of toilet paper, and laundry detergent for less than $12!! Woo-hoo and yay!! That is almost unheard of where I come from. Then we were on our merry way and got home in time for the Oscar pre-show. So we made some cookies, popped a couple of beers and settled in for a night with Oscar! Ellen was hilarious as always and nothing special happened after that. Well, nothing I want to talk about here. I love AG so very much. She makes me happy, and is always there for me no matter what. Even when I am down in the doldrums and being a total Bitchy McBitch, she loves me anyway and helps me get through it. Happy Mer!