But they were never supposed to break up!

No, this post isn't going to be about Brad and Jen. But instead about my personal Brad and Jen, the couple I thought would never split … until this week when they did.

They met, got married and had two babies -- all in the space of four years. It happened fast, but he assured me that's how it happens when it's right. He was so proud of her accomplishments. When her work got mentioned in the newspaper or a professional journal, he never failed to show it to me. They were dedicated parents -- working from home rather than staying late so they could spend time with their adorable little ones.

They were my heroes. Love, passion, mutual respect and common goals for their kids … all this and heaven, too!

Beginning in the fall, I stopped hearing from him as often as I used to. I shot him emails regarding the Mitchell Report (baseball is one of the things we bonded over) and they went unanswered. One thing about my friend -- he LOVES educating me about stuff I don't know! No Christmas card, either. Huh? He and his wife enjoy sending photos of their little urchins.

Then, yesterday, he told me the news. On Thanksgiving she told him it just wasn't working for her anymore and she wanted him to move out this week. I can understand them not wanting to spoil Christmas for their kids -- especially their son, who is almost 4 now and probably quite into Santa. But what's the significance of this week? Elvis' birthday?

Anyway, they're SEPARATED! He told me that, while their problems aren't "juicy," she'd been unhappy throughout 2007 and he thought they could "work on it." Apparently not. He's now living with his brother.

I'm almost sick to my stomach.

I have relationship issues the size of all outdoors. I either expect too much or too little. I either give too much or too little. I'm too fiercely independent and have trouble pulling in double harness. I have been involved with lovely men over time and have sabotaged those relationships. I sadly accept responsibility for all that.

But I love love and I love happy endings. I had counted on this couple to verify my faith. And now look at them.

I wonder if, when they discussed how this would effect the kids, they limited their conversation to their two preschoolers, too, or if they included this old gal, too.

An endorsement that makes a difference

Now I'm going to take a closer look at the junior Senator from my state. After all, John Kerry was right about (among other things) Viet Nam War and veterans' rights, the death penalty and making the court system more open and fairer to female victims of rape and domestic violence.

Senator Kerry has served his country honorably as solider, anti-war activist, DA and Senator. He's been on the right side of every issue that has been important to me. If Barack Obama is good enough for John Kerry, he certainly deserves greater consideration from me.

Friday's Feast #29

Appetizer. What is your middle name? Would you change any of your names if you could? If so, what would you like to be called? My middle name is Ann. I like it well enough, and can't think of a middle name I'd prefer. I do hate my last name, which is (part of) why I'd love to change it to Lady McCartney.

Soup. If you were a fashion designer, which fabrics, colors, and styles would you probably use the most? Neat question! I'd use a lot of blues and purples, and everything would be tailored. As Stacy and Clinton (WNTW) have taught me, it's important to have a defined waist.

Salad. What is your least favorite chore, and why? Laundry! It takes too long and it takes me down to the building laundry room. I hate it down there because I find myself having to chat with neighbors whose names I can never recall.

Main Course. What is something that really frightens you, and can you trace it back to an event in your life? Flying. No, there's no particular incident that triggered it. I'm just horrified by air travel.

Dessert. Where are you sitting right now? Name 3 things you can see at this moment. My new (OK, it's 2 months old now) sofa. I can see my faithful tomcat, Joey, and my wallet and my white boots (they're UGGS knock offs).

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