Cheers!

This is my fiftieth post!

and in celebration of this and because I have been accused of hating on men often, I would like to dedicate this post to the male influences in my life.

A toast:

To Papa Smith: who taught me by experiential learning how to handle difficult men

To Aburo Smith: who taught me the importance of the occasional silence

To J: for being the most steady friend a girl can have. Except for that one year disappearance lol. Glad to have you in my life to remind me about real guys who don't always suck.

To T: for being the best older male influence I could have asked for, even if you do occasionally try to get into my pants. For remembering me as the bright laughing so so young girl you met and facing down the darkness that came later and being right by my side for those tough times, and for cooking and making me eat lol.

To R: for teaching me about love and understanding. I'm glad you found happiness now.

To B: for loving me and letting me go no matter how hard that was for you. Perhaps we will meet again at a better point.

To T.O: newest member of the crew, for keeping me grounded.

May the Lord Bless you and Keep you. May you all find happiness, you deserve it. May we continue to be good support systems for each other in good times and bad.