Forever Friend

A night with friends, without children, requires dressing up, reservations, and extensive plans. A night with best friends? Well, that's something else entirely. Consider the wardrobe (photo taken before 6pm, thankyouverymuch!):

Then, you have the evening's activities. First, sustenance:

We did have sandwich wraps, cookies, and delivered pizza, as well...those photos aren't nearly so impressive, though. Then came the entertainment portion of the evening, meant to accommodate both the stationary and the active.

Don't judge -- Kinect (even bowling) is a workout!!!

This is all typical of my date nights with my dearest friend Katie (and our husbands, too). So what makes it anything more than another night in? Well, first is the notion that she's one of the only other people I know who would plan a shot around the loss of Alan Rickman with the creation of The Slytherin Mudblood (surprisingly smooth):

It might seem minor, but not everyone appreciates the depth and joy and importance of all art, including film. Katie appreciates that beauty more than anyone I know, and it is one of many reasons I feel so at ease even if we don't see each other very often. Another reason? 

She is quite possibly the only person I would allow to post this picture of me for all the world to see.

What makes this picture special is that it was taken when we were both laughing so hard over yet another innocently, naively ditzy comment I made during a Battleship showdown. (I'd gladly share, but you really did have to be there. Just take it off the board, right, Katie?!)

And as absurdly carefree and even irresponsible as the night may seem, it wasn't. The whole point of our get-together was to be with someone who loves you, understands you, and is there for you no matter what...something you can only ask of a best friend. We all went to bed by 11pm and woke before 8am; our "date" ended with a Sunday morning breakfast out. Dutch fries...nom-nom....

And we parted ways until our next get-together, which might be next month or next year. But no matter how much time until our next time, I know Katie and I will pick up right where we always leave things: as best friends.