The last couple of years have given me challenges and gifts and a lot of other things, from chronic illness to a difficult job, but hey, it's life right?
I wanted to write about my friend Joe and the idea that as we get older it's hard for us to make new friends. It's something we're constantly reminded about as we grow and close ourselves off to new things, people and experiences. I think it partly has to do with family, work and all those other complications. It just happens.
We have a lot of pop culture referenced around this idea, from "Stand by Me" to numerous other films that get nostalgic about childhood friendships and how hard it is as adults to forge this kind of closeness.
I can certainly say that my involvement in blogging and local politics has brought me to a new group of acquaintances but most importantly, I've got a new BFF and of course you now his name, it's Joe.
Joe is a guy I talk to almost on a daily basis, which is so unusual for me but we share our love of humor, food and silliness and he allows me to have my days to wallow in self pity and complain about my painful joints and achy head. No judgment, just unconditional friendship, something I've not had for a long time.
Joe is kind and smart and wickedly funny. He knows his local politics as well and is very involved in the Orange County political scene. He's a good Democrat and a good environmentalist (I love hearing Joe talk about freecycle and how there is just no reason to go out and buy ANYTHING new if you don't check freecycle first).
Joe lets me talk about Charlotte and loves her sense of humor. Joe encourages my writing and has been patient and kind. Shit, who wouldn't love Joe?
It's with Joe and Gus that I started the new adventure in local progressive blogging called, The OC Progressive. They let me post what I want and I don't worry about being scolded or criticized. They've urged to write more and they've fed my family to boot.
This Thursday both Gus and Joe brought over food and good company, we sat around the table and enjoyed some pot roast from Gus and Joe made three amazing dishes, it's obscene really how good the food was. Gary was in culinary heaven, especially since he wasn't the one to have to do the cooking (GOD bless my husband for how much he cooks for us and has allowed me to cut my hours at work and eat out less).
I made pizzelles cookies (I had to since Joe had scolded me for not trying to get one on FREECYCLE and that I would never use the one I bought), which were divine and my family can't wait for me to make more, like now! So I've promised to make some almond and lemon ones this weekend. They are easy to make just a bit time consumer (like making little waffles). I don't mind though, I Loved how much Charlotte and Gary liked to consume them and I love a good Italian cookie myself.
The great thing about Gus and Joe is this, they both helped run Debbie Cook's campaign for congress last year (CA-46, against one of Olbermann's "Worst Persons in the world" and he is, just Google Dana Rohrabacher and you will understand pretty quickly). Debbie ran a smart and amazing campaign and I'm so proud to say that I donated money and blogged on her behalf. She would have been an invaluable new member of Congress and we're all hoping she will try again in 2010.
So Joe (Who has served as a Planning Commissioner for Huntington Beach) and Gus are involved and engaged (Gus served on the City Council for Fountain Valley) and sit on different environmental boards. They are my heroes when it comes to being a good progressive and involved in local issues that impact our communities. I feel as if fortune has shined upon me for bringing both these amazing men to my life.
But Joe, well Joe has just become a friend, a touchstone when I need to vent. That's what this post is about, Thank you Joe for being there. I hope for many more potlucks and chat sessions on Facebook.
You can connect when you are older, if you allow yourself. Being involved is the best way to do it, not just here on Daily Kos but by finding your local DFA, Environmental group or Democratic Club you too might find your Joe. I know not everyone is like me, someone who has been isolated for a long time but I also know the odds are, I'm not the only one.
And both Gus and Joe read my Daily Kos posts as well and are pushing me to attend Netroots Nation this year, although I doubt I will have the funds to do so. But it's nice to have good people whom you admire and respect cheering you on. It's vital if we hope to build grassroots progressivism throughout our Country. One thing Republicans tend to forget is that it's okay to need each other and rely on our friends and family and that as Democrats, we know that the word "Government" is not a dirty one, it's something we know can do good things under the right leadership from the local to National.
SO while we try to make this Country better for our children and their children we have the added bonus of community and camaraderie, of shared pain and joy and of making new friends at any age that can last for the rest of our lifetimes.
By the way, Joe is joeesha at Daily Kos and Gus is Aeolus.