Reliable

I have a few people in my life that I can truly rely on and importantly, trust. Their roles sometimes cross into work which muddies the corporate water so I try and be objective. However, as I venture into my 24th year in my chosen industry, I've learned the best of business lessons--trust smart and honest business people; trust good and blunt friends who remind you when you've fucked it up. The two pictured above have become two of my best because they've employed my two point rule. They've bitch slapped me when I was wrong and reinforced me when I was right. And they are most often times right (and damn them for contradicting me).

I've learned to slowly treasure those friendships that provide earnest support. Many friendships can be shillistic and syncophantic and possibly bullshit. I've found a true friendship is occasionally deeper than something that is as traditionally embedded as a marriage. A marriage eventually evolves into fond habit mixed with love; a trusted friendship is your reality check. You need both,and you rely on both. If you have a perfect balance, you have the answer.

These mugs above (The Fisherman & The Man in Plaid), along with Hollaback, Christo, Jewels, MaryCatherineFullofGrace and a few others--you people keep me grounded more than you know. It's a shitty and scary world out there. I want you to know how much I value your sage perspective and the many reality checks.

Many thanks.