TV Times

I live in a number of sitcoms.

A couple of weeks ago I had a birthday party featuring my siblings, including Phil’s sister and brother-in-law. It was much fun, and it occured to me that these are my “Friends“. For those of you not familiar with this great cultural icon (or for those of you, like my parents, who can’t understand why I would possibly watch it), my reference here implies that we are in each others lives, that we engage in teasing and mockery, that we tell each other how it is without pretense of polite chatter (i.e. small-talk, the bane of my existence), that we laugh a lot together and enjoy one anothers company (though you won’t catch any of us admitting it). Mostly it implies that we are held together by a deep bond and we care about one another deeply. My siblings make me happy, and I love it when we are all together.

There are a couple of groups here at work who take a daily trip to the Tim Horton’s in the next building. I am fortunate enough to travel with the cool, young, all-male gang (this is not a reflection of my man-like qualities, Ada’s observance of whiskers on my face notwithstanding, I am merely friends with their ring leader). I greatly enjoy these excursions as these guys are very entertaining. It is like being in an episode of Seinfeld. And, actually, Seinfeld is referenced quite often – they are all very aware of pop culture. Sometimes I go just for the laughter and purchase the coffee so they don’t know that they make me laugh and that I truly enjoy watching males interact (as a camper [meaning one who camps, not a vehicle wimpy people use to participate in what is erroneously referred to as “camping”] I have often wished I could be a male [so I could pee standing up]; but I’m also greatly intrigued by male relationships and also somewhat envious of them).

Now I’m just waiting for my church to have that Cheers ambiance. You know, where everyone knows your name, and they’re always glad you came. Where people know, people are all the same.