ED – ED is my sadist personal trainer boyfriend. Contrary to popular belief, ED does NOT stand for Erectile Dysfunction OR Emotionally Disturbed. You see, this is round two of dating for us, so ED stands for Environmental Dating, a phrase coined by the lovely Karina the Russian. ED is a brilliant (straight A) college student who grew up in a very small farm town in Utah. Dating a fellow student works out great because we both understand each others need for study time and let’s talk about anything but school time. I heart him and think I’ll keep him around a while… perhaps forever.

Karina the Russian – Karina is insanely beautiful, stubborn as a mule, funny enough to have her own reality TV Show and fiercely loyal (she’s not afraid to “cut a bitch”). She also happens to be my best friend. I can always count on her to be there when I need her and to have vodka on hand. She has a unique way of looking at the world and she is constantly helping me put my life back into perspective of what I can and can not control. A better friend does not exist not only because “everything Russian is better”, but because Karina is one of a kind.

Staci – Staci is my not-so-little sister. I am very protective of her — a fact she claims to hate but secretly loves. Growing up she was my pain in the ass kid sister who wanted to follow me around. My older sister and I found her annoying and wouldn’t let her play Pound Puppies. We would also pretend she didn’t exist. Funny how life turns out because now she is one of my best friend and probably the person who knows me better than anyone. Sometimes we fight like…um, sisters? but we always work it out. She knows I would do just about anything for her and often takes advantage of that. Guess it’s my penance for ignoring her as a kid.

B – B is my not-so-little sister’s not-so-little girl. She is 3 and the cutest damn kid in spite of her complete princess complex. I watch her from time to time and entertain her by letting her watch PG-13 movies, giving her coffee, putting make-up on her and taking her shopping. Occasionally we feed the ducks too. I like to think I am in no way corrupting her or adding to her princess complex, rather I am preparing her for adulthood. Well, except for the ducks part. That’s to keep us both young.

Heidi – I have the great fortune of living in the basement apartment of one of my dearest friend’s home. Heidi and I have been friends for around four years now. We originally met through work but ended up traveling the world together. OK so “world” may be a bit extreme –it was only to Argentina–but still it was my first time out of the country. Heidi is my rock.  She has an amazing ability to see the good in the world and always go after the best parts of it. She is encouraging and supportive of all things that are healthy for me and the first to tell me when something is not. I freaking live this girl!

Sara(h) – I have two Sarah’s in my life. Actually I have a Sara (no h) and a Sarah (with an h) in my life. Sara is my older sister, who I love dearly. I do not often write about her but she is precious to me just the same.

Sarah is my go to friend who will always have my back and tell me the truth. Always! She is my friend, my hero, my blogging mentor and the female equivalent of ED… only we don’t have sex… but we have slept together… I’m digging a hole here…

Aurora – Aurora is my cat. Among many of her pet names are Bitch Kitty, Kitten Pants, Rora, and just plain ‘ol Kitty. She was named after a poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning called Aurora Leigh. She is spoiled and mean. She hates everyone but me which is kind of endearing if you think about it. ED keeps asking me how long cats live.