Double-birthday bonanza

Amber, making you laugh is my favorite thing in the world. My second favorite thing is laughing at your jokes. Every day I wish I lived nearer to you so we could do normal friend stuff, like have lunch or see a movie or just drink wine while sitting on my couch, which still has a you-shaped indention in it.

I miss the old days, but I'd happily sacrifice them if it meant you could chase and maybe even catch those dreams you are pursuing. I think Craig is amazing and when you finally decide to do the Good Catholic Thing and get married, I will be there in pastel taffeta if that's what you want. And I will babysit as long as I have clearance to hit your children with fly-swatters. Only if they act up!



Phil, it drives me crazy how weird it feels when you're not around. I suppose I try to balance that feeling with my constant quest to be as annoying as possible around you. I truly don't know why I like to embarrass you in front of strangers, or why I always have the urge to smack things out of your hands, or why I walk slightly behind you and move from side to side when you turn to talk to me.

You bring out the idiot in me — the one I keep hidden from people I'm trying to impress. The one who seeps through my seams anyway.

Sometimes I think you are the only man in the world who will ever love that idiot.

Happy birthday, both of you.