Yesterday was my much planned and anticipated spa day with Erika.  Four beautiful hours of pampering, hot tea, bathrobes, massaging sandals and quiet.  We had a nice lunch together at a cafe table in our bathrobes and held entire conversations without interruptions.  Just as sometimes couples need to regroup and have some special time so should best friends.  And after all these years I still love her the way I have since the beginning.  And like all long term relationships it has deeper meaning because of the ultimate joys and heart crushing pain we lived through, together.  There hasn't been one moment that I have needed her that she hasn't been there even if by phone while I was in St. Croix about to marry the love of my life.  And we haven't got all the answers about how to navigate our way through motherhood, wifehood and womanhood.  But I know she'll always tell me what I need to hear and some of the things I think I don't want to hear.  And she has a way of making me believe in who I am even when I falter.  All that from a day at the spa.  What a bargain.   Oh and this color on my nails.